Why the PPP?

PPP for Math 147/151/171

Studies show that students who pass their first calculus class with a grade of C or better are more likely to graduate and earn an engineering or science degree in four years. Students who earn a score of 22 (out of 33) on the Texas A&M Math Placement Exam (MPE) have a much higher chance of obtaining a grade of C or better in their first calculus course. Additionally, these students are more likely to earn their degree in four years. For students with MPE scores below 22, the outlook is less favorable. For example, a student who scores 18 out of 33 on the MPE has a 55.9 percent chance of obtaining a grade of C or better in their first calculus course and is therefore less likely to complete a bachelor’s degree on time. These outcomes and the goal of positioning students for greater success in college mathematics are the driving force behind our program.

Students in the Colleges of Engineering and Science (except the Department of Biology) must take their MPE in an online proctored environment before starting the first year of college. The PPP is a good way for students to review material before or after taking the MPE. Students who do not obtain their desired score on the MPE may retake it only once. The PPP is a great program for those who need help with the MPE re-take. For more information about the MPE re-take, select the MPE online re-take link in the top menu of this page.

PPP for Math 142

The success of PPP for Math 147/151/171 has been so great that the Texas A&M Mathematics Department has designed a similar program for students who need to take Math 142. The department anticipates that students who enroll in PPP for Math 142 will be better prepared for the calculus course they take at Texas A&M. The goal is to improve the overall success rates for students in Math 142.

Summary of Program format

Real-time Online Group Tutors

The strength of the PPP lies in its synchronous, online group tutoring sessions. During each two-hour session, students log on together and work with a math tutor who leads the small group through a virtual lesson. The sessions are designed to help correct students’ misconceptions, fill gaps, strengthen the students’ mathematical foundation, and help move each student to higher levels of mathematical understanding. Online sessions are “live” and interactive. Each student has an opportunity to interact with other students and the tutor by asking questions, discussing math content, solving math problems, and answering questions posed by the tutor. Each tutor is an experienced math teacher who has been trained in all forms of technology for the program.

Independent Work Opportunities

Students enrolled in the program have access to high-quality videos and review sheets, which are located in the online classroom for the entire academic year.

Required assignments with individual feedback

Assignments will be given two to three times per week. These assignments will be rigorously graded by tutors so students get the individualized feedback they need to improve their math skills.