By Dondwani Baines
Published on October 24, 2007
To illustrate the importance of mathematics in other courses and in real world situations, PJC is now offering “linked courses.”
Vicki Schell, the district academic department head of mathematics, explained that linked courses are two courses from different departments, programs or disciplines that will share students and will meet the criteria for both classes.
The students will register for both classes at one time, and each of the two linked courses will be taught by both teachers.
In spring 2008, mathematics professor Sharon Jo Spencer will teach a statistics course, STA 2023A, that will be linked with an introduction to sociology course, SYG 2000, taught by Monisa Shackelford, assistant professor in behavioral sciences.
Both courses will meet from 9-10:15 a.m., one section meeting Mondays and Wednesdays, the other meeting Tuesdays and Thursdays. Students will enroll in both courses, and will work together on projects and assignments related to both courses.
The education department had also planned to participate in the linked courses, tying an introductory course with a liberal arts mathematics course, Sue Halfhill, assistant provost and education department head, said. However, due to scheduling difficulties, this pairing will not be offered in the spring.
“We are excited about the possibility [of linked courses], but we are exploring what is the right fit for us,” Halfhill said.
The participating teachers were awarded a grant to attend a three day workshop last year specifically designed for linking courses with mathematics. Participants gathered teaching ideas at the workshop that they are excited to bring to PJC, Spencer said.
With these linked courses, the instructors are hoping to show students how math skills will be applied to their careers. Students will complete assignments relevant to both of the combined classes, with assistance from both professors.
These linked courses were scheduled to begin in the summer and fall terms of 2007, but have not yet been offered, partially because of lack of publicity. However, the classes are scheduled to be offered for the first time this spring.
Online course searches reveal that many colleges are offering linked courses.
“This interdisciplinary approach is being utilized all over the world by many faculty and students,” Spencer said.