How Math Pathways Transformed One Student’s Relationship With Math

After so many years not going to school, I was very scared because I always thought I was not good at math… I learned how to ask questions when I’m in doubt, because I used to not ask questions.

Gabriela Patino is a student at El Paso Community College in El Paso, Texas. When her placement assessment indicated she needed course work in developmental mathematics, she was worried. She had often struggled in previous math classes, and feared the developmental math requirements would slow her in reaching her goal of becoming a nurse.

After taking the Dana Center Mathematics Pathways (DCMP) Foundations of Mathematical Reasoning course, however, Gabriela found her relationship with mathematics improved. The course’s focus on real-world applications of mathematics, active learning, and making math relevant and relatable helped Gabriela to succeed and to develop confidence in her mathematical abilities. 

Gabriela’s story is featured in a new blog post from CAPR – Center for the Analysis of Postsecondary Readiness. CAPR recently published interim findings on the effectiveness of DCMP-designed developmental math courses.

Read Gabriela’s full story here.