ERIC Number: EJ1006873
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013
Pages: 6
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1557-5284
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Student Engagement and Completion in Precalculus Precalculus Mega Section: Efficiently Assisting Student Engagement and Completion with Communications and Information Technology
Brusi, Rima; Portnoy, Arturo; Toro, Nilsa
Journal of STEM Education: Innovations and Research, v14 n1 p20-25 Jan-Mar 2013
The Precalculus Mega Section project was developed with the main purpose of improving the overall performance of the student body in Precalculus, an important gatekeeper course that affects student engagement and completion, with typical drop/failure rates of over 50 percent. Strategies such as integration of technology and additional practice time with TA support, helped significantly reduce the withdraw and failure rates that prevail today in this course. Although it was carried out in a large group format (150 students), the experimental sections had better outcomes than current, traditional sections in smaller groups taking the same tests. Results show the design choices and underlying assumptions to be promising and cost-effective, and recommendations include testing the model as a substitute for current remedial coursework on campus and beyond. (Contains 18 tables and 3 footnotes.)
Descriptors: College Mathematics, Introductory Courses, Calculus, Curriculum Design, Student Improvement, Technology Integration, Teaching Assistants, Time Factors (Learning), Learner Engagement, Information Technology, Cost Effectiveness
Institute for STEM Education and Research. P.O. Box 4001, Auburn, AL 36831. Tel: 334-844-3360; Web site: http://www.jstem.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Puerto Rico
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A