In the Individualized Learning Program, we teach Math A (Elementary Algebra) and Math D (Intermediate Algebra), meeting all of Sierra College’s math curriculum standards (and sometimes more). We use the same textbook as traditional format algebra classes. ILP courses are not easier and do not cover less material. Students completing algebra through ILP will go on to succeed in their following courses at just as high a success rate as students taking algebra in any other format. So what makes ILP algebra so special? Read on!
Top Ten Advantages of the Individualized Learning Program (ILP) over Traditional lecture, Academic Systems and ALEKS:
1) Supportive Environment: Students have the benefit of lecture time in the classroom plus one-on-one help from tutors in the open ILP Lab. The lab is open 40+ hours per week to ILP students. *
2) Supportive Environment: We look for instructors who are very nurturing, student-centered, and patient. We hire not only tutors that are very knowledgeable in the field of mathematics, but tutors who are also very patient, gentle and able to create a warm, “non-threatening” atmosphere in the ILP Lab.
3) Supportive Environment: Students may check out solutions manuals and lecture videos created by the textbook publisher for viewing at home. Students find these videos very helpful.
4) Mastery Learning: We believe in the concept of “Mastery Learning.” Students may take an exam up to three times, in order to master the concepts. *
5) Test Accommodation: The students who feel test-anxious or need more time may take their exams in the Testing Center, LOPS, or DSPS with prior arrangement.
6) Additional Unit: ILP Math D is five units instead of the traditional four, so this provides one additional contact hour per week to help students understand the material at a more relaxed classroom pace.
7) Pacing Flexibility: Students may complete the course at a fast pace and be done with the course a few weeks or even a few months early. Students may complete both Beginning Algebra and Intermediate Algebra within one semester. On the other hand, students may also go at a slower pace, take an “Incomplete,” and complete the course in 1.5 semesters. *
8) Supportive Environment: We work closely with students who receive an “Incomplete” grade to help them complete the course, even if they move away.
9) Flexibility: ILP allows students (especially returning adult students) the flexibility to complete their course around their work schedule by attending a combination of lecture and lab hours to meet attendance requirements. *
10) Open Entry: Students may transfer into an ILP course from another course any time before the withdraw deadline, if their current situation does not meet their needs. We get 20-25 students that transfer from Academic Systems, ALEKS and traditional Algebra courses every semester. *
As you may know, the success rate for the non-ILP Algebra courses (Academic Systems, ALEKS or the traditional lecture) has been below 50%. We are happy to say that the success rate for the ILP has been between 65-70% over the past ten years. These numbers are in spite of the fact that the ILP targets the math-anxious population. Below you will find the success rates for the ILP from Spring 1995 - Summer 2004.
ILP 10-YEAR REPORT
Spring 1995* – Summer 2004*
2283 completed / 3403 attempted = 67% success rate
Average ILP class size = 35.4
Average number of students passing each ILP class = 23.8
*Data from over 120 Math A and Math D classes that were offered during this period.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us any time:
Jill Rafael (Ext. 7972)
James Razavi (Ext. 7978)
Matt Harrison (Ext. 7979)