The Effectiveness of Calculus Workgroup on Student Performance in Calculus: A Mixed-Methods Approach
Brita Schneiders
Applied Mathematics, University of Colorado Boulder
Date and time:
Wednesday, July 16, 2014 - 10:00am
Location:
MOVED TO: ECOT 226, APPM Conference Room
Abstract:
Calculus Workgroup is a one-credit supplemental course to Calculus, and is used as a resource for those
who want or need it. In the present study, we conduct a mixed-methods study to evaluate the eectiveness
of Calculus 1 Workgroup on student performance in Calculus 1 for Engineers. We analyze a dataset that
contains 733 observations and 35 predictor variables. We use AnswerTree software by SPSS to create decision
trees to assess the biggest predicting factors for Calculus 1 course-grades. We then compare Workgroup
students and non-Workgroup students based on factors resulting from AnswerTree, including predicted
grade-point average (PGPA), to evaluate the eectiveness of Workgroup on student performance in Calculus.
We nd that in the academic year of 2013 - 2014, Workgroup did not signicantly improve performance in
Calculus.
We also analyze a survey taken byWorkgroup students to have a better understanding of student attitudes
toward Calculus, Workgroup, and Oral Assessments (a large component ofWorkgroup). Within the subgroup
of Workgroup students, we compare students who are required to enroll in Workgroup to those who choose
to enroll. We show that students who enroll in Workgroup have a higher PGPA on average than those
who do not. We further show that students who are required to take Workgroup (by scholarship) have a
signicantly higher PGPA than students who choose to enroll in Workgroup. We note a negative correlation
between the requirement to take workgroup, and positive self-concept of one's calculus ability.