How Does ALEKS Calculus Adapt to Individual Learning Styles?
ALEKS Calculus is designed to optimize the learning experience of struggling learners. This program does so by assessing each student’s current level of knowledge, identifying topics they need to learn, and then providing them with practice problems that align with their individual needs. This program is based on ground-breaking work in mathematical cognitive science, Knowledge Space Theory (KST).
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KST is a set of algorithms that efficiently develops and maintains a detailed map of each student’s knowledge state. This mapping is based on machine learning, which is an intelligent process that uses the power of computer technology to quickly and accurately identify the precise topics each student has mastered and which ones they are ready to learn now.
The result is that students are never frustrated or bored by working on material that is either too easy or too hard for them. In fact, research shows that ALEKS students are often more engaged in their courses than other students because they know exactly where they stand with each topic they learn.
Each ALEKS learning module is crafted by educators with decades of classroom experience who understand the role each topic plays in a student’s course. These educators collaborate with ALEKS developers to ensure the content is aligned with student learning, assessment, pedagogy, usability, and reading level.
Throughout each ALEKS learning module, the student’s knowledge state is analyzed and tracked through a series of data logs that are compiled within this program. These logs can then be used by program developers and educationalists to improve the ALEKS learning environment and further support the academic growth of struggling learners.
The ALEKS learning system provides students with the tools to assess their knowledge levels and then work toward improving those skills to meet course exemption requirements. This process is designed to maximize a student’s success in their enrolled course and thereby boost their likelihood of completing their degree.
Once a student has completed their initial placement assessment, they may use ALEKS to practice their skills and retake the assessment at any time before the next scheduled course. The re-assessment can be completed up to two times and must be followed by at least 10 hours of active ALEKS practice.
Students who have a high ALEKS placement score are more likely to be placed into a higher-level math course than students with lower scores. The placement score is used by the advising office to determine the appropriate math course for the student.
In addition to the ALEKS placement assessment, new first-year students are required to attend an Orientation session where they will discuss their ALEKS scores and other factors related to their college career with their advising center. The advisor will help students select a course that is in their best academic interests.
When a student is ready to register for their first mathematics course, they will need to complete the ALEKS placement assessment and have their results sent to their academic advisor. If a student’s score is above the minimum placement requirement, they will need to take the ALEKS PPL Placement assessment and complete a series of guided learning practice sessions before they can register for their math course.
The guided learning practice sessions in ALEKS are specifically designed to address the topics identified as areas of weakness for each individual student. These practice sessions provide targeted instruction and practice problems to help students gain mastery over those topics. The adaptive nature of ALEKS ensures that students receive personalized instruction and practice that aligns with their unique learning needs.
During the practice sessions, students have access to detailed explanations and step-by-step solutions for each problem. This allows them to understand not only the correct answer but also the underlying concepts and strategies involved. Students can also track their progress and monitor their improvement over time, which can be highly motivating and encouraging.
The ALEKS system continually reassesses students’ knowledge as they progress through the learning modules. If a student demonstrates proficiency in a topic, they will move on to more advanced material. Conversely, if a student struggles with a particular topic, they will receive additional instruction and practice until they have achieved mastery. This adaptive approach ensures that students are always challenged at an appropriate level and are not overwhelmed by material that is too difficult.
In addition to the adaptive learning environment, ALEKS provides various resources to support students’ understanding of calculus concepts. These resources include interactive tools, video tutorials, practice worksheets, and additional readings. Students can access these resources at any time to reinforce their understanding or to gain further clarification on specific topics.
ALEKS also offers opportunities for collaboration and communication between students and instructors. Students can seek help from their instructors through online messaging systems or virtual office hours. This personalized support can be invaluable in addressing individual questions or clarifying challenging concepts.
Furthermore, instructors can access detailed reports and analytics within the ALEKS system to track students’ progress and identify areas where additional support may be needed. This allows instructors to provide targeted interventions and tailor their instruction to meet the specific needs of their students.
Overall, ALEKS Calculus adapts to individual learning styles by providing personalized assessments, targeted instruction, adaptive practice sessions, and comprehensive resources. By catering to the unique needs and abilities of each student, ALEKS helps them build a solid foundation in calculus and develop the necessary skills for success in their coursework.