Developing Skills, Confidence And Community In Freshman
Mathematics Majors
For ten
years Loyola Marymount University has offered a two-semester workshop course
for freshman mathematics majors that focuses on problem solving, mathematical
writing and presenting, and math careers and culture. The course is
designed to address important attitudes and skills that are necessary for
success in a mathematics major. Foremost among these are mathematical
communication and problem solving. In each semester students write a
paper and give a presentation of a major project. Additionally students
present problem solutions in every class and write up problem solutions for
peer critiquing. Students are also asked to reflect (in writing) on their
problem solving experiences throughout the class. In this paper, we will
share our experiences with this class, including one typical problem solving
and follow up writing assignment. The success of this course regarding
student retention as mathematics majors, improved skills and confidence, and
attitudes towards writing in mathematics have been assessed. We will
present an analysis of this assessment and key features that we feel have led
to the success of the course.