Math 1131Q (Calculus 1)
This study will address the use of three specific technological resources to improve the teaching and learning experience in large lecture calculus classes. The objectives will be to improve class participation through the use of in-class questions delivered via Interactive Response Systems, to enhance the student-teacher interactions through the use of Micro-videos, and to improve study strategies through the use of Electronic Flashcards.
The research design of the study will involve collecting both quantitative and qualitative data. The primary purpose of the study will be to collect survey data to measure the relationship between resource usage and perceived learning for calculus students (MATH 1131, 5 sections) at the Storrs campus. These data will be collected at the beginning of the semester, at multiple points during the semester, and at the end of the semester (for a detailed description see timeline on section Design, Procedures, Materials and Methods). Qualitative data will be collected as a secondary source using interviews to understand the instructors’ and teaching assistants’ perspectives towards the different resources and the influence on their teaching and the students’ learning experiences.
The research questions that guide this study are:
- What is the relationship between using the three different resources and the learning experience of students in large lecture calculus classes?
- What is the relationship between using Micro-videos and students’ perceived learning of a specific topic in large lecture calculus classes?
- What is the relationship between answering IRS questions and students’ participation in large lecture calculus classes?
- What is the relationship between using Electronic Flashcards and students’ organization of study materials in large lecture calculus classes?
- What are the perceptions of instructors and teaching assistants towards the three different resources in large lecture calculus classes?
Funded by: 2010 Provost’s General Education Course Enhancement Grant Competition Award –“Pedagogy in Large Lectures” ($10000.00 for two years) for Amit Savkar and Fabiana Cardetti.
Math 1132Q (Calculus 2)
A similar set of objectives were set up for Calculus 2.
Funded by: 2012 Provost’s General Education Course Enhancement Grant Competition Award –“Technology for Pedagogy in Large Lectures” ($10000.00 for two years) for Amit Savkar and Fabiana Cardetti.