Linking Basic Algebra, Basic Reading, and Basic Writing

Jim Sullivan (Mathematics)
jsullivan@necc.mass.edu
Gene Wintner (Reading)
ewintner@necc.mass.edu
Joanna Fortna (Developmental Studies / English)
jfortna@necc.mass.edu
Northern Essex Community College


Alpha:

A Learning Community linking

Basic Algebra I, Basic Reading,

Basic Writing & Freshman Seminar

Northern Essex
Community College

Jim Sullivan, Math

Gene Wintner, Reading

Joanna Fortna, Writing

 

Fall 2006

Outcomes

Apply reading and study strategies to the reading and study of math

Use writing as a tool to clarify and reflect upon math concepts

Use quantitative reasoning to support a written argument

Recognize quantitative information in text and understand its significance

Correlations

Process within each discipline

Drawing conclusions using critical thinking

Recognition of learning style and understanding how it affects learning in each discipline

Application of time management strategies to tasks associated with each discipline

Basic Reading

Vocabulary building through context and dictionary

Fundamental reading strategies such as pre-reading and monitoring comprehension

Basic Writing

Process Writing

Journals

Personal Essays

Basic Algebra I

Variable Sense

Equations and Expressions

Function Sense

Linear Relationships

Proportional Reasoning

Rates of Change and Slope

Polynomials

Freshman Seminar

Orientation to College Resources

Fundamental learning skills such as time management and learning style

Weekly discourse on the classes and their interrelationship

Project Description

Our project is to develop the curriculum materials for a learning community that links the courses Basic Algebra I, Basic Reading, and Basic Writing.  The theme for the learning community is real world applications and we will use the name Alpha to advertise and register students.  One of our main objectives is to help our students develop projects that apply skills and concepts from all three of our courses to different global issues.