The Improvement of Mathematical Skills and Knowledge
The Quality Enhancement Plan at Grambling State University is designed to be a transformational experience impacting student learning. The current QEP topic fosters the continued strengthening of mathematical skills and knowledge of students, thereby producing better-prepared students and ultimately graduates of Grambling State University.
The purpose of GSU’s QEP is to improve the mathematical skills and knowledge of all students irrespective of their majors; therefore, it targets the entire student population. This purpose will be achieved through two goals:
Grambling State University’s (GSU) Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) stems from one of the university’s biggest challenges, the need to strengthen the mathematics proficiency of students. After a comprehensive review of general education assessment data and feedback from a broad base of constituent groups, the university selected “The Improvement of Mathematical Skills and Knowledge” as its QEP topic. GSU has chosen to focus on improving mathematics instruction by adopting novel curricular, instructional, and assessment strategies in select general education courses. These courses include mathematics courses as well as courses in the social sciences. The intent is to improve the mathematical skills and knowledge of all students regardless of major. This Quality Enhancement Plan targets the entire student population.
The first goal is tied to strengthening a student’s foundation in mathematics theory. Six student learning outcomes are linked with this goal as listed below.
The second goal targets the enhancement of the student’s problem solving skills through critical thinking. One learning outcome aligned with this goal focuses on ensuring that students are able to solve, interpret, and analyze real world problems of various complexities that are encountered in a variety of disciplines. To ensure this success, pedagogical methods that involve an interdisciplinary approach to teaching mathematics will be used.
A comprehensive assessment plan has been identified. This plan includes using multiple assessment instruments and using an advisory board to assist in monitoring the plan. The advisory board will play a key role in ensuring continuous adjustments to better serve Grambling State University students and foster academic growth and success.