Peer Review

Supplemental Materials - College Algebra and Trigonometry

Material Detail page

Reviewed:: Jul 28, 2020 by Mathematics

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Ratings

Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:

This site contains problem sets for the basics of algebra and trigonometry as it is used in the biological sciences. It also includes links to OER resources, some articles on study skills, and some limited content.

Type of Material:

Workshop and Training Material

Recommended Uses:

During a supplementary workshop for biology students starting or needing a review in college algebra or trigonometry.

Selected exercises could be used as individual homework or group activities in a college algebra or trigonometry classroom.

Technical Requirements:

Any Browser

Identify Major Learning Goals:

To become proficient in solving basic trigonometry and algebra problems as they relate to biology

Review of basic algebra and trigonometry concepts that will be useful to biology majors.

Target Student Population:

Biology students in college algebra and trigonometry or who need a review of this material.

Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:

Beginning algebra and intermediate algebra.

Content Quality

Rating:
Strengths:: These materials contain a large collection of algebra and trigonometry questions. In addition to asking the students to solve the problems, they also ask them to reflect on what went into the plan to successfully solve them. It also includes links to readings about successful learning skills and why mathematical modeling is so important in the biological sciences.
Concerns:: Although the trigonometry sections include the link to the relevant textbook pages, most of the algebra sections do not include the corresponding links. Solutions are not provided for all exercises. Providing all solutions could benefit biology students using this material for self-review.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:
Strengths:: This site will be especially useful for biology students who are looking for the connections between biology and college algebra and trigonometry. Its focus on why an approach is taken will assist students in the path towards approaching problem solving.
Concerns:: A student may just give up on the algebra part if they do not remember the basics. It would be helpful to include at least a reference to where the explanation of the basic algebra can be found.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:
Strengths:: The site is well formatted with problem sets and then the answer key so that the students will know if they are on the right track. Content is clearly labelled. Having the links to the study skills articles will help the students learn how to be successful on the problem set questions and then in their coursework. Navigation is simple as are the instructions. All pdf documents are searchable.
Concerns:: The site is very static. Interactive visualizations would enhance the experience as would more colorful images.

Other Issues and Comments:: This material could also be very useful to instructors of college algebra and trigonometry who are looking for additional problems.
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