Algebraic Literacy: Finding a Textbook

One of the new courses coming to a college near you is “Algebraic Literacy”, a modern course that prepares students for a STEM path (and related work).  This position in the traditional curriculum is held by ‘intermediate algebra’.

For a brief comparison of these courses, see the chart below:

Algebraic Literacy Intermediate Algebra
History of course Designed to provide background needed for college algebra,  pre-calculus, and related courses, in a coherent package Descendent of high school ‘algebra II’ traditional content, presumed needed for STEM, often presented as isolated topics
Focus Understanding, balance of symbolic and graphical methods, often in context with meaningful applications Symbolic procedures, correct answers, and stylized applications
Accessibility for success Presumes basic understanding of quantities and algebraic concepts, either from a beginning algebra course or “MLCS”; just-in-time review of details Assumes current competence with prerequisite skills with symbols and language; gaps in prerequisite often cause failure
Basic story line Functions and rate of change, using symbolic and numeric methods, to understand science and the world Ten chapters of skills organized around the type of objects being used

In this chart, “MLCS” refers to the Mathematical Literacy for College Students course (also known as Math Lit, and similar to Quantway I).

One of the issues with the Algebraic Literacy course is finding textbook materials.  Books being written for this course are not available yet.  However, there are materials available which have enough similarity to be used.

One book I have learned about recently is “Algebra: Form and Function” (Wiley publishing, 2010).  This book was written by a team connected with the calculus reform efforts, and is designated as a ‘college algebra’ textbook.  However, the book does not assume that students have the higher background; it’s quite accessible by students in an Algebraic Literacy course.  For a quick look, see this link to the Course Smart page:  http://instructors.coursesmart.com/9780471707080

You can also find more information on this text at the Wiley page http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-EHEP000346.html

 
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categories Content of developmental math courses, Math curriculum in general | | datetime May 2, 2013 9:05 am

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