An Incentivized Early Remediation Program in Calculus I

Department

Mathematics

Additional Department

Systems and Industrial Engineering

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-1-2018

Abstract

Strong prerequisite skills are essential to student success in the calculus sequence; however, many students arrive in Calculus I with weaknesses that are difficult for them to overcome. In this paper, we describe an approach to early incentivized remediation of prerequisite material in a Calculus I course. We present data that supports the idea that a lack of prerequisite knowledge is a significant hurdle for students, but also that participation in the remediation program is correlated with student success. In addition, the program allows for the very early identification of students at high risk of failing. The program is easy to implement, and it would be adaptable to a variety of other courses for which prerequisite knowledge is essential for success including science courses, engineering courses and other mathematics courses.

Journal Title

International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology

Journal ISSN

0020-739X

Volume

49

Issue

8

First Page

1235

Last Page

1249

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1080/0020739X.2018.1458340

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