Implementing the BYU-Idaho Learning Model

Foundations Math 108 draws on the power of the BYU-Idaho Learning Model in every aspect of the course and in the experiences it fosters. In the personal & family finances sections, Math 108 incorporates statements from general authorities about the dangers of debt and the care that should be taken in financial matters. Students are encouraged to "lay hold upon the word of God as found in the scriptures and in the words of the prophets."

In the probability & statistics sections, Math 108 addresses the mathematics of gambling—confirming the adage that "gambling is a tax on those who don't understand mathematics." The course includes ecclesiastical statements about gambling, giving students two important motivations to resist and oppose gambling in any of its forms. Here again, students are encouraged to "lay hold upon the words of modern-day prophets."

The centrality of student and teacher preparation and participation are evident in Foundations Math 108, where instructors and students take joint responsibility for teaching and learning. Peer-to-peer learning plays an important role in the course as students learn from and teach each other. Group projects further support these experiences by engaging students in challenging but relevant group assignments. In the process, student begin to learn how to "love, serve, and teach one another," while "accepting responsibility for learning and teaching."  

Finally, students in Foundations Math 108 develop the ability to determine the reasonableness of  their results as they apply mathematical tools to solve a variety of contemporary problems. Students not only advance their analytical and critical thinking skills, but they also increase their confidence in verbalizing their thoughts and justifying their solutions. This better enables students to "act for themselves" and avoid becoming unduly dependent on others.