So...
Where's the Math?

Tamara Johns

Anurag Katyal

Palm Beach State College

Acknowledgements

STEM Articulation and Transfer Collaborative Project (NSF Award # 1928343)
- PI - Dr. Becky Mercer, Palm Beach State College
- www.palmbeachstate.edu/satc

Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Look for the helpers

The Best Team!

Jada
Brooks

Brandon
White

More of The Best Team!

Tamara
Johns

Lauren
Zatto

The Challenge

Weak foundational skills - Integer operations, order of operations
Low confidence - Previous negative experiences with math
Disconnected knowledge - Inability to see connections between concepts
Engagement barriers - Traditional instruction often fails to motivate

Our Approach: Math Jumpstart

Intensive Format - One week before semester start (9 am - 4 pm).
Target Audience - Students entering Intermediate & College Algebra
Focus Areas - Integer operations, order of operations, fractions, solving linear equations, and graphing straight lines, growth mindset
Interactive Games - Mathematical content embedded in engaging activities

Game-Based Learning

Pattern Recognition

Games help students see mathematical structures

Strategic Thinking

Students develop problem-solving approaches

Memory Consolidation

Repeated practice in varied contexts strengthens recall

Cognitive Benefits

Game-Based Learning

Reduced Math Anxiety

Low-stakes environment removes performance pressure

Intrinsic Motivation

Games tap into natural competitiveness and curiosity

Social Learning

Peer interaction normalizes struggle and celebrates success

Immediate Feedback

Players know instantly if their mathematical reasoning is correct

Psychological Benefits

Increased Participation
Peer Teaching
Persistence
Transfer

Successes

Skepticism
Resource Allocation
Reflection Time
Clear Mathematical Objectives

Challenges

Early Observations

Pre vs Post test scores (50% to 75%)
85% of participants reported increased confidence
95% said they enjoyed the collaborative learning experience
78% demonstrated improved integer operation fluency

Preliminary Data (2024)

Pre vs Post test scores (64.5% to 79.3%)
88% of participants reported increased confidence
100% said they enjoyed the collaborative learning experience
85% demonstrated improved integer operation fluency

Preliminary Data (2025)

Student Data

	2024	2025
Pre-test average	50%	65%
Post-test average	75%	80%
Reported increased confidence	85%	88%
Enjoyed the collaborative learning experience	95%	100%
Improved integer operation fluency	78%	85%