Henry Ford Community College
5101 Evergreen Road
Dearborn, MI 48128-1495
Last Revision:
Thursday, April 20, 2000
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Copyright © 2000

The Math Dimension

The Bridge Math Component has two goals. First it should directly support the mathematics instruction that takes place in the technical modules. Second, it should prepare students to take the first technical math courses at the college level. With both of these goals in mind, the Math component has evolved as an instructional interplay of

(1) technology and functional math skills presented in a dedicated math class environment, and (2) more opportunistic "math moments" occurring within technology or communications instruction.

Modules and skills sessions have been developed to cover both situations. Math modules are stand-alone units that are not sequenced for delivery, as is traditionally done, but still represent specific building blocks of skills. They address the specific needs of the technical content of the Bridge curriculum. The skills sessions are shorter "math moments" that can be used as stand-alone units, but are also imbedded directly into the technical curriculum as is appropriate. They introduce and reinforce important math ideas, like proportional reasoning, algebraic thinking, measurement skills and graphing. These sessions have been designed to be delivered by any of the Bridge instructors with either science-based or shop math backgrounds.

Both modules and skills sessions attempt to approach instruction from the framework of the learner. Students bring to the learning situation prior knowledge and learning experience. Prior understanding provides the platform upon which further understanding will be built. The instructor should therefore assume a fluid and flexible instructional approach. In order to build basic mathematical definitions or to review very basic concepts, learning can be accelerated by incorporating self-paced learning tools, such as Skills Bank 4, a computer-based remediation software used as a prerequisite to certain math and language arts areas. The attached chart maps out the use of Skills Bank 4 in relation to specific math topics as either a prerequisite or post requisite reinforcement.

    Skills Bank 4 - Manufacturing Bridge Program Technical and Shop Math Integration