Algebra Research Funded Projects

Improving mathematical learning and college outcomes for developmental algebra students
This research project explores different ways to address student learning and progress through developmental algebra. Approaches to this research area include developing game-based and collaborative learning curricula for intermediate algebra, developing instruments to measure conceptual understanding in algebra, developing theories about how students learn and progress through fundamental algebra concepts as they learn algebra in developmental classes in college, and developing a concepts-based developmental algebra curriculum which accelerates students through elementary algebra, intermediate algebra, and precalculus by consolidating common concepts across contexts.

• Primary Investigators: Claire Wladis; Kathleen Offenholley; Jay Verkuillen
• Research Associate: Dale Dawes, Elisabeth Jaffe, Jae Ki Lee, Susan Licwinki, Audrey Nasar

Funding that has supported this research ($2,455,184 total):

• (2018-2025; Award # 1760491). Developing, Field-Testing, and Validating An Elementary Algebra Concept Inventory Database For Use In The College Context,  National Science Foundation (NSF) EHR Core Grant, $1,500,000, Principal Investigators: Claire Wladis [PI], Katheleen Offenholley, Mils Myszkowski, and John Verkuilen. The aim of this project is to generate a calibrated item pool of 200 validated questions that assess conceptual understanding in college algebra. 

• (2015-2019) A Simulation-Based Curriculum to Accelerate Math Remediation and Improve Degree Completion for STEM Majors Grant, National Science Foundation (NSF) ATE Grant; $875,794 Principal Investigators: Kathleen Offenholley [PI], Ching-Song Wei, and Francesco Crocco.  This project addressed the national problem of mathematics remediation for STEM majors by creating a game- and simulation-based algebra and trigonometry curriculum. 

• (2018-2019) Validating an Elementary Algebra Concept Inventory;  PSC CUNY Research Award, Enhanced, $11,363.75 

• (2018-2019) Framework for Algebraic Conceptual Understanding in the College Context Grant: BMCC/CUNY Faculty Publication Grant, $5000 

• (2016) Validation of the Elementary Algebra Concept Inventory,  BMCC/CUNY Faculty Development Grant, $5000

• (2010-2011) Increasing Student Success and Retention in Mathematics through Student-Centered Instruction and Collaborative Learning;  CUNY Improving Undergraduate Mathematics Learning Grant; $58,026