Imagine spending countless hours in a college classroom, only to discover that your classes do not contribute to your degree. This is a reality for many students at Del Mar College, where developmental math courses have become a major hurdle in academic progress.
When his term ended in 2022, Former Del Mar College Board of Regents member Ed Bennett raised concerns about students struggling in math. He highlighted that some students had to complete as many as 28 hours of remedial courses, delaying their graduation and increasing their financial burden.
A Growing Issue: The Impact of Remedial Courses
Bennett provided data from 2013 to 2022, showing that math is the most commonly registered remedial course at Del Mar College. This trend is not just a minor inconvenience; it significantly affects students’ motivation and persistence in pursuing their degrees.
Part-time students, in particular, are at a disadvantage. Since they take fewer classes per semester, remedial courses add to their academic load without moving them closer to their degrees.
“If you have to spend 100 hours to get your associate’s degree and you’re taking seven hours a semester, some of those students get worn out,” Bennett explained.
The Role of Standardized Testing and Changing Educational Methods
Mathnasium owner Camilla Davis, who tutors students from various grade levels, has also observed a troubling trend among incoming first- and second-year college students. Many struggle to pass the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) exam, which determines whether students are ready for college-level coursework.
“I do have a significant number of college freshmen and sophomores who come in because they’re having problems passing the TSI,” Davis said.
One reason for this struggle is the increasing reliance on technology. With smartphone apps providing step-by-step solutions to math problems, students are losing the ability to work through issues independently. This dependency can make it difficult for them to develop the foundational skills necessary for higher-level math.
Long-Term Consequences of Math Struggles
Davis, who previously worked at the Center for Academic Student Achievement (CASA) at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC), emphasized that math difficulties have long-term repercussions.
Davis said she worked at CASA at TAMU-CC for several years while earning her degree and observed that math was the leading cause of dropouts at the time.
Failing to grasp math concepts early on can create a domino effect, leading to lower confidence and poor academic performance. The inability to pass required math courses forces many students to abandon their educational pursuits.
Possible Solutions: How Colleges Can Help Students Succeed
To address these challenges, colleges must consider new strategies to help students succeed in math. Some potential solutions include:
- Early Intervention Programs: Implementing tutoring services and bridge programs for high school seniors to strengthen their math skills before college.
- Alternative Learning Methods: Offering personalized and adaptive learning tools that cater to different learning styles.
- Accelerated Remedial Courses: Developing fast-track programs that allow students to complete remedial coursework in a shorter time frame.
- Increased Academic Support: Expanding math labs, study groups, and online resources to give students the tools they need to succeed.
- Policy Adjustments: Review placement policies to ensure students are not required to take unnecessary remedial courses if they can succeed in higher-level math classes.
Addressing the Math Crisis for Future Success
Developmental math courses at Del Mar College and other institutions should be a stepping stone rather than a roadblock. Therefore, with proactive interventions and improved educational strategies, students can receive the necessary support to overcome math challenges and stay on track toward earning their degrees.
Moreover, colleges must immediately reduce dropout rates and prevent students from getting stuck in a non-credit course cycle that delays their academic and professional goals. By implementing targeted solutions, such as enhanced tutoring programs and adaptive learning techniques, colleges can help students build confidence, develop essential skills, and ultimately succeed in their chosen fields.