METTE Research Brief

This 2-page report, from the Wisconsin Center for Education Research, explains whether a "contextualized instructional approach to developmental math courses effectively help students improve [their] math skills." To prepare for the report, researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison observed one full-session of each mathematics course offered at Milwaukee Area Technical College, and interviewed all students and instructors involved in the course. After six weeks, researchers discovered that class atmosphere, previous perceptions of mathematics, student-faculty interaction, and connection with course content all impact how students improve their math skills.