170-6 Online Math Modules Support Significant Skill and Confidence Building in an Introductory Marine Science Course

Session: Quantitative and Data Analysis Skills in Geoscience Education: Supporting Student, Course, and Program Outcomes, Part I

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Quantitative and data skills are increasingly important for success in both coursework and careers in the sciences, yet many students find these skills intimidating or inaccessible. The Math You Need, When You Need It (TMYN) is a collection of online modules designed to assist students with mathematics in Earth and environmental science courses, and contains modules covering both introductory and majors-level (TMYN-Majors) topics. At Savannah State University, TMYN modules were utilized to support quantitative skill-building in an introductory Marine Biology majors’ course (MSCI 1810K) over three consecutive semesters. During each semester, multiple quantitative topics were integrated into the lab component of the course, including two topics from TMYN-Majors, Introductory Statistics and Linear Regression. Each topic was first introduced in person by the instructor, then was followed outside of class by the corresponding online TMYN-Majors module and a completion-based assessment. Students also applied these skills in multiple lab reports related to marine biology content learned in lecture. Each semester, students completed pre-tests and post-tests that included 12 skill-based questions (6 questions related to the selected TMYN-Majors modules) and 18 self-efficacy questions assessing student confidence in their quantitative skills. The post-test also included optional feedback on the modules used. Only students with both pre- and post-test data were included in the analysis. Scores on the content-based questions showed statistically significant improvement in quantitative skills (p < 0.001), averaging 19%-25% improvement from pre- to post-test. Self-efficacy also improved from approximately 5.31-5.88 (out of 10) on pre-tests to 6.23-6.40 on post-tests. Additionally, students overwhelmingly found the selected modules helpful. Across all semesters, over 98% of students who responded agreed or strongly agreed that the Introductory Statistics module was helpful, and over 85% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the Linear Regression module was helpful. Providing students with accessible resources to build strong quantitative skills is key to supporting both their technical abilities and their confidence to engage with relevant scientific questions in the Earth sciences.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Program. Vol. 57, No. 6, 2025

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