ERIC Number: EJ1148413
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017
Pages: 23
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-2148-9955
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Co-Calculus: Integrating the Academic and the Social
Reinholz, Daniel L.
International Journal of Research in Education and Science, v3 n2 p521-542 Sum 2017
Being part of a cohesive learning community supports retention and success in early mathematics courses. Yet, large, unwelcoming lectures stand in opposition to this goal, isolating students and pushing them away from STEM. This paper offers a comparative analysis of three efforts to build community amongst students, all situated within a single large-lecture introductory calculus course at a diverse, research-extensive institution. These programs were: (1) active learning labs, targeted at all students, (2) a small-group seminar for commuter students, and (3) a workshop model targeted at "underserved" students in STEM. Of these three efforts, only the workshop model had a significant impact on student success. Social networks within the workshop section suggest that students were able to integrate their academic and social experiences to a greater extent than the other sections. These results suggest that active learning and co-calculus experiences alone may be insufficient to foster cohesive social and academic bonds, unless properly organized.
Descriptors: Calculus, Mathematics Instruction, Introductory Courses, Lecture Method, Comparative Analysis, Active Learning, Commuting Students, Disproportionate Representation, STEM Education, Social Networks, Large Group Instruction, Workshops, Seminars, Student Surveys, Statistical Analysis, Gender Differences, Racial Differences
International Journal of Research in Education and Science. Necmettin Erbakan University, Ahmet Kelesoglu Education Faculty, Meram, Konya 42090 Turkey. e-mail: ijresoffice@gmail.com; Web site: http://www.ijres.net
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
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Language: English
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