Understanding ALEKS PPL: A Comprehensive Guide to Assessment and Learning

For students, particularly those entering college, assessing their mathematical skills is a crucial step toward academic success. The ALEKS PPL (Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces Placement, Prep and Learning) program serves as a valuable tool in this process. This article provides a detailed overview of ALEKS PPL, its purpose, how it works, and its significance in determining appropriate course placement.

What is ALEKS PPL?

ALEKS PPL is a web-based, artificially intelligent assessment and learning system designed to evaluate a student's strengths and weaknesses in mathematics. It utilizes adaptive questioning to quickly and accurately determine what a student knows and doesn't know in a course. ALEKS is not a multiple-choice Placement Assessment. It is an open-response question that requires you to work out solutions on paper and pencil, and then enter them into ALEKS. Once you submit an answer, you cannot change it.

How Does ALEKS PPL Work?

The ALEKS PPL program operates through a series of steps:

Initial Assessment: The system begins with a placement assessment, which consists of up to 25 questions and generally takes 60-90 minutes to complete. ALEKS selects each question based on the answers to all previous questions. Each student receives unique assessment questions, making it impossible to predict which questions will be asked. This assessment covers a broad range of material from basic Algebra to Precalculus.
Adaptive Questioning: ALEKS employs adaptive questioning techniques. This means that the difficulty and content of subsequent questions are determined by the student's responses to previous questions. This approach allows ALEKS to pinpoint a student's knowledge gaps efficiently.

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Knowledge Mapping: Based on the assessment, ALEKS creates a detailed map of the student's mathematical knowledge, identifying areas of strength and weakness. The placement assessment score is a number between 0 and 100. It represents the percentage of topics ALEKS has identified you have mastered.
Personalized Learning Modules: After the placement assessment, an individualized Prep and Learning Module is available for students to refresh their knowledge on forgotten topics. ALEKS then instructs students on the topics they are most ready to learn. These modules are designed to address specific areas where the student needs improvement. ALEKS directs students to the learning module that will allow them to make the most immediate gains in skills. The modules are: Prep for Beginning Algebra, Prep for Intermediate Algebra, Prep for College Algebra, Prep for PreCalculus, and Prep for Calculus.
Continuous Reassessment: As a student works through the prep modules, the system periodically reassesses the student to ensure that the topics learned are retained. While working in a Prep and Learning Module, you will periodically complete a Knowledge Check to ensure you have mastered the topics you gained in Learning Mode.

The Importance of ALEKS PPL

The ALEKS PPL program plays a vital role in ensuring that students are placed in the most appropriate mathematics courses. The Placement Assessment results will be used to determine the most appropriate courses for each student as they move forward with college coursework. This is crucial for several reasons:

Accurate Placement: By identifying a student's strengths and weaknesses, ALEKS ensures that they are placed in a course that matches their skill level. This prevents students from being overwhelmed by material they are not prepared for or being bored by content they have already mastered.

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Improved Preparation: The prep and learning modules provide students with the opportunity to refresh their knowledge and address any gaps in their understanding. This leads to better preparation and improved grades. ECC encourages students to spend time in the prep and learning module, even after achieving their desired score. This practice leads to better preparation and improved grades.
Increased Success: When students are placed in the right course and have the necessary skills, they are more likely to succeed. This can lead to higher grades, increased confidence, and a greater likelihood of completing their degree.

Key Features and Considerations

Open-Response Format: ALEKS is not a multiple-choice assessment. It requires students to work out solutions on paper and pencil and then enter their answers into the system.
Adaptive Nature: The adaptive nature of ALEKS means that each student receives a unique set of questions based on their individual performance.
Proctored Assessment: ECC accepts ALEKS placement scores as long as the assessment is proctored. Taking the math placement test requires using Respondus Monitor, a video monitoring service that uses the Respondus Lockdown Browser. Once a student has taken the placement, a proctor will review the session to ensure that no test aids are used and no help is received.

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Calculator Availability: You may NOT use your calculator during this exam. A calculator will be provided on the screen when permitted during the test.
Retake Policy: Yes. You can retake the ALEKS PPL Assessment. Up to four additional times to improve your score. The highest score will be used for math placement. You must wait 24 hours between attempts and complete the required time in the Prep and Learning module. Penn State sets its own retake and practicing criteria.
Time Limit: The system will allow you to access your Placement Assessment for 3 hours. During the proctoring session, you will have a maximum of 2 hours to complete the ALEKS assessment.
Prep and Learning Module Access: You will have 12 months of access to your Prep and Learning module. Starting from your first log-in, you will have 6 months to access your ALEKS Prep and Learning Module.

Guidelines for Taking the ALEKS PPL Assessment

To ensure accurate placement and maximize the benefits of the ALEKS PPL program, students should adhere to the following guidelines:

Be Honest: It is important that the Placement Assessment is taken seriously and each student gives it an honest effort so that the Placement Assessment truly reflects their current level of knowledge and math preparedness. There is no benefit to cheating on the Placement Assessment-the only result will be that a student enrolls in a class that is too difficult, or not challenging enough, potentially costing time and money. Therefore, while taking the Placement Assessment, students should not consult any outside sources for help (friends/family, Internet searches, textbooks, notes, etc.).
Work Independently: You must complete this assessment independently, as this will ensure you are placed into the best class to help you succeed. Cheating or plagiarism of any kind will not be tolerated.
Avoid Distractions: Please stay seated and focus on the computer screen until the exam is complete. If an interruption occurs, briefly explain what happened by speaking directly to your webcam.
Utilize Available Resources: May I use any other resources during a Placement Assessment? You may only use a pen or pencil, paper, and the resources provided within ALEKS. Using outside resources will lead to improper placement and potentially course failure. If you aren’t sure how to input an answer or need help while you are taking the ALEKS Placement Assessment, select the Help button below the answer pallet tools.
Take Advantage of Prep Modules: If you do not place into the course you wanted, this is a perfect opportunity to take advantage of the Prep and Learning Modules offered within ALEKS PPL.

ALEKS PPL at ECC: A Step-by-Step Guide

For students at ECC (Elgin Community College), the ALEKS PPL assessment is a crucial step in determining their math course placement. Here's a step-by-step guide to completing the ALEKS Placement Exam and accessing the ALEKS Prep & Learning modules at ECC:

Access the ALEKS Platform: Follow the instructions provided by ECC to access the ALEKS PPL platform.
Enter the Course Code: Enter the 10-character ALEKS code Q6FLA-KJXVU into the Course Code box. If the information is correct, select Confirm.
Complete Student Information: Complete the Student Information, and write down the password you create. Enter your seven-digit ECC student ID (including any leading zeroes) in the Student ID text field above.
Save Login Information: You’ll next see your Login Name generated by ALEKS. Be sure to save your Login Name for future ALEKS testing.
Tutorial: A tutorial will begin.
Webcam Check: The “Webcam Check” will begin. LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor are compatible with PCs, Macs, and iPads. LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor are not compatible with Chromebooks or smartphones.
Take the Assessment: You will see some, but not all, of the math you have learned in high school. It is a Placement Assessment, not a preview of math courses at ECC. It is designed to identify if you are prepared for a particular course.
Review Your Score: Upon completing the placement assessment, your score is entered into the student system.
Meet with an Advisor: Students are encouraged to meet with an ECC academic advisor to review test scores and high school and/or college transcripts to determine final placement.

Additional Considerations

Testing Center: Students will take the ALEKS test in the testing center located in Building B, Room B115. Allow at least two hours to take the ALEKS math placement test. The Testing Center is closed on Tuesdays from 2 to 3 pm for a department meeting. Ask to take the Math Placement Test. The Testing Staff will ask for your photo ID and ECC student ID number.
Calculator Policy: No other calculator is allowed.
Retake Policy: Students wishing to retake the placement assessment may do so after a 24-hour cool-down period between attempts and after completing the required Prep and Learning.
Score Validity: ECC accepts ALEKS placement scores as long as the assessment is proctored.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Browser Issues: What do I do if my web browser gets stuck or my computer crashes while I’m taking the Placement Assessment? Simply close the browser, or log out and log back in.
Technical Requirements: Do I need to install any software or plug-ins prior to taking the ALEKS Placement Assessment? No. There are no required plug-ins or applets required with your use of ALEKS PPL. As long as you have access to the internet and are using an updated browser, you should not experience difficulties in taking your Placement Assessment. You will need to download software for the proctoring tool, Respondus; see the requirements here.

ALEKS Beyond ECC: Penn State and the University of Miami

While this article focuses primarily on ALEKS PPL in the context of ECC, it's worth noting that other institutions, such as Penn State and the University of Miami, also utilize ALEKS for math placement.

Penn State: The ALEKS Math Assessment ensures students' readiness for certain math, statistics, and chemistry courses at Penn State. Minimum ALEKS scores were derived from analysis of the specific skills needed to meet the objectives outlined in Penn State course descriptions and syllabi. These scores suggest basic readiness for successful completion of a course.
University of Miami: The results from the ALEKS assessment are used to determine the appropriate math course for a student to take based on his/her prerequisite knowledge. If you would like to improve your ALEKS score and repeat the assessment, you will need to spend at least 5 hours on the recommended Prep and Learning Module before each repeat.

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