The effectiveness of the introductory Mathematics-I Dedicated Laboratory of the Basic Skills Development Program at University of Puerto Rico, Utuado Campus

The University of Puerto Rico at Utuado (UPRU) has made attempts to implement the Basic Skills Development Program (BSDP) for various years. This year UPRU included in its program a new strategy named Dedicated Laboratories. These laboratories are an integral component of the Mathematics, Spanish and English basic courses.;This study evaluated the Math 3003 Dedicated Laboratory of the BSDP. Daniel Stufflebeam's curriculum evaluation model of Context, Input, Process, and Product was used in the evaluation. Statistical data was obtained from the Dean of Academics Affairs office.;The study followed a quasi-experimental design and evaluated quantitative and qualitative data. The quantitative data were the percentages of course failures and withdrawals in the Math 3001 course from 2002 to present. The academic progress of all students enrolled in the Math 3001 course was also part of the quantitative data. Qualitative data was obtained from participants' comments in their reflexive diaries.;The participants of this investigation were freshman students enrolled in Math 3001. The experimental group consisted of students taking the Dedicated Laboratory Math 3003 along with Math 3001. The control group consisted of students taking Math 3001 without the laboratory.;The results of the study demonstrated a relationship in the academic progress of students in the experimental and the control group. In addition, the relationship between grades demonstrated that students reached academic progress.;Based on the results of the study, one of the recommendations is to offer the Dedicated Laboratory in all mathematics courses offered to freshman students. Furthermore, I recommend the development of a diagnostic test to determine mastery of basic math skills. I also recommend the Department of Education in Puerto Rico to identify students interested in continuing studies at the University level and offer them a curriculum containing the basic skills necessary to approve first-year college courses.