Title: The National Study of Calculus I: Insights, Lessons Learned, and Future Directions
Speaker: Vilma Mesa (University of Michigan)
Abstract: Understanding how colleges manage to keep students in the Calculus I track is an issue of national importance and the impetus behind a national study of Calculus I in the United States sponsored by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) and funded by the National Science Foundation (DRL REESE #0910240, PIs David Bressoud, Chris Rasmussen, Vilma Mesa, and Michael Pearson). The study titled Characteristics of Successful Programs in College Calculus I (CSPCC) took place between 2009 and 2015 and included a large-scale survey of Calculus I programs followed up by case-studies of 18 postsecondary programs that were identified as successful. Success was defined by a combination of student variables: persistence in calculus as marked by stated intention to take Calculus II (a proxy for persistence in a STEM major); affective changes, including enjoyment of math, confidence in mathematical ability, interest to continue studying math; and passing rates. In this talk, I will present major findings that cut across the various institutions, regarding teaching and teachers, coordination, and placement policies, and specific findings pertaining the various types of institutions in the study. I will also describe some of the lessons we learned, and some of the ongoing questions we are pursuing.
Seminar URL: https://research.math.osu.edu/education/#7074340
