Mr. Gates Goes Back to Math Class

April 30, 2010

Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates went back to school recently to attend a mathematics class at Foothill College in Los Altos Hills, California.

The software pioneer visited the College to get a first hand look at Foothill’s Math My Way program. The program is designed to help underrepresented students in science, math, and engineering fields master basic concepts so that that they can attend four-year colleges and universities. Gates and his team at The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation were reviewing models and best practices in developmental mathematics education.

Math My Way (pdf) relies on a series of self-paced, hands-on learning modules. Grouping students with similar mathematical skills, it challenges them through computer drills, paper drills, and computer games. Students work at their own pace, focusing on concepts that are most challenging. Instructors use lectures and specialized software to help them gain confidence and master essential concepts. By mastering each conceptual building block before progressing to the next level, the students can move quickly through the program to more advanced coursework.

The program features two courses: Math 230—Preparing for Algebra and Math 231—Math-specific Study Skills. They are offered on a pass/no pass basis.

Foothill instructors developed the program three years ago in response to research that demonstrated relatively low rates of progression from the bottom levels of developmental mathematics to college-level mathematics success.

“If we are to increase the number of math, science and engineering degrees, we must improve our student success in pre-collegiate-level math classes,’’ said Judy C. Miner, Foothill College President.

“We were honored to host Mr. Gates and to introduce him to the outstanding work going on in our Math My Way program," Minor said.

Source: Los Altos Town Crier (April 27, 2010)