Introductory Calculus Goals and Instruction as Described by Secondary and Postsecondary Instructors

• In Event: Reflections on Mathematics Learning Environments and Instructional Goals

Abstract

Calculus is a pivotal course for postsecondary students and serves as a gatekeeper to advanced mathematics courses and STEM majors. This study considers self-reported goals and instructional practices of three groups of mathematics instructors: high school AP Calculus instructors, postsecondary Calculus I instructors, and postsecondary Calculus II instructors. Participants completed a questionnaire and subsequent interview. Results illustrate that while participants across groups expressed similar goals for introductory calculus, differences existed in the instructional practices used to achieve these goals between secondary and postsecondary instructors. Such differences may indicate a lack of instructional cohesion in calculus courses which may, in turn, affect students’ success – particularly as they move from secondary to postsecondary institutions.

Author

• Amanda Mohammad Mirzaei, University of Delaware
  Presenting Author