West Shore Community College receives $25,000 grant for mathematics department project

The Mathematics Department at West Shore Community College has received $25,000 via a grant from the National Science Foundation. The NSF is funding a project led by Kellogg Community College and the Michigan Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges. West Shore Community College will be participating in this project, which is called “Increasing Engagement in the HyFlex Modality.”

According to an article on West Shore Community College’s website, Dr. Adam Moreno, a professor of mathematics at the college, was quoted as saying, “This project is about reimagining how we teach Algebra so that it works better for students—no matter how they attend class. We’re moving away from lecture-heavy formats and toward an inquiry-based model that emphasizes discovery and hands-on learning.”

Dr. Moreno will be working on the project alongside fellow mathematics professor Wade James and adjunct professor Stephanie Shilander. Shilander will lead focus groups, conduct student surveys, and provide coaching relevant to the project’s goal, which is to change the way students learn algebra at the college level.

The project will see the team aiming to transform college algebra delivery into a HyFlex model, which allows students to attend classes on campus or online, and switch between the two options as students progress through the class to whichever course delivery option suits them and their learning style the best.

The team plans to share their findings at a national conference in either 2026 or 2027.

For more information about West Shore Community College, visit the school’s website.