ALEKS - Frequently Asked Questions What is ALEKS Math Placement, Preparation, and Learning (ALEKS PPL)? Success in the Hofstra University DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) begins with appropriate course placement. Your starting math course is critical to that success. With a unique combination of adaptive assessment and personalized learning, ALEKS PPL accurately measures your math foundation and creates a personalized learning module to review and refresh lost knowledge. This allows you to be placed in the appropriate math course in the Fall semester. ALEKS PPL is a web-based program that uses artificial intelligence to map your current math strengths and weaknesses. The placement assessment is up to 25 questions and generally takes 50-75 minutes to complete. After completing the initial ALEKS assessment, an individualized Prep and Learning Module is available for you to refresh your knowledge on forgotten topics. You then have the opportunity to reassess and improve your assessment. ALEKS consists of three parts:
An initial assessment
The Prep and Learning Module, an individualized, self-paced online review
Access to three additional assessments
SEAS encourages you to spend as much time as needed in the Prep and Learning Module, even if the desired score is achieved because time spent in ALEKS will ultimately lead to better preparation and improved grades. What is the purpose of Placement Testing? This is a “placement assessment,” not a test. The difference is that a placement assessment is designed to determine what a student knows and what a student needs to work on. At the end of the ALEKS assessment, you will have a much better sense of your strengths and challenges in math. You then have a chance to brush up on topics that may have been forgotten or haven’t been practiced for some time. Why is the ALEKS Assessment so important? It is important that you take the ALEKS assessment seriously and give it an honest effort so that it truly reflects your current level of knowledge and math preparedness. There is no benefit to cheating on the assessment – the only result will be that you register in a class that is too difficult, or not challenging enough, potentially costing more time and money. Therefore, while taking the assessment, you should not consult any outside sources for help (friends/family, internet searches, textbooks, notes etc.). The purpose of the assessment is to give an accurate measure of your current mathematical knowledge state so that you will be successful in your math sequencing at Hofstra.
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