The 5th edition of Beginning and Intermediate Algebra by Sherri
Messersmith and Nathalie Vega-Rhodes represents the most evolved version
of the P.O.W.E.R. series textbooks yet. To each chapter we have added a
new Get Ready chapter opener that contains
prerequisite/corequisite lessons, with exercises, to prepare students to
learn the concepts coming up in the chapter. Also new to this edition
are the two academic mindset topics of developing a growth mindset and
developing grit. The power (no pun intended) of the Internet is that it
allows us to enhance the learning and teaching experience for students
and instructors. We can do things that we couldn't dream of even 10
years ago! That's where Nathalie Vega-Rhodes comes in. A long-time
P.O.W.E.R. math textbook user and outstanding instructor, Nathalie has a
lot of experience using digital tools. Better yet, she and Sherri have
the same philosophy of teaching, love for students, and belief in
addressing all of their students' needs in the classroom.
What makes P.O.W.E.R. a unique tool for the classroom? A major challenge
in developmental courses is that students at this level struggle with
basic study skills and habits. Maybe this is one of their first college
courses or perhaps they are adults returning to school after a long
absence. Either way, many of the individuals taking this course don't
know how to be good students. Instructors often don't have the time, the
resources or the expertise to teach success skills AND the math
concepts. The P.O.W.E.R. Learning Framework was developed by successful
author, psychologist, student success instructor and researcher, Bob
Feldman. It is a method of accomplishing any task using five simple and
consistent steps. Prepare. Organize. Work. Evaluate. Rethink. The
P.O.W.E.R. framework that Math instructors have come to know and love is
at the core of each section and new study strategies and exercises have
been integrated with every chapter better help students successfully
learn math concepts while at the same time developing habits that will
serve them well throughout their college careers and in their daily
lives. The conversational writing style, practical applications,
innovative student resources and expanded available in ALEKS makes this
an appealing and very teachable option for faculty.
