The quantitative results of Sources of Self-Efficacy in Science Courses-Physics (SOSESC-P) are presented as a logistic regression predicting the passing of students in introductory Physics with Calculus I, overall as well as disaggregated by gender. Self-efficacy as a theory to explain human behavior change [Bandura [1977] "Psychological…

The purpose of the present study was to norm and validate the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) Introductory Calculus Subject Examination for two University of Illinois calculus courses, Math 120 and Math 135. It was of interest to determine if this examination could be used as a calculus placement and proficiency examination for new…

The calculus of finite differences and finite sums is used to create a context in which the computer can be incorporated into calculus courses. Analyses of the experimental implementations are included. (MP)

Compared were the effects of two modes of instruction in the calculus: small group discovery and traditional lecture-discussion. The discovery mode was more effective in producing successful achievement in areas of manipulative skills, there were no differences in achievement as measured by a concepts test. (SD)

Investigated were the effects of spatial training on calculus achievement, spatial visualization ability, and the use of visualization in solving problems on solids of revolution. Sex differences were found favoring women in calculus achievement and men in spatial visualization ability. (MNS)

Multiple regression analysis was employed to determine the interactive effects of student motivation, prior mathematics preparation, and instructional method on achievement in a calculus course taught in lecture and Personalized System of Instruction (PSI) formats. A significant interaction between mathematics preparation and instructional method…

Nineteen Calculus II students were randomly sampled and divided into calculator (n=9) and noncalculator (n=10) groups. These students were asked to "think aloud" while solving 24 Advanced Placement calculus problems. Each student interview was videotaped, coded and analyzed for reasoning process as well as outcome. The results indicated…

The effectiveness of a distributive model and the conventional method for assigning homework in a first-semester course in calculus is examined. Results indicated a pay-off for the distributive model in terms of improved performance of the student of average or below-average mathematics ability. (MP)

A logically and empirically valid structure of knowledge for differential calculus was made by textbook analysis and by collecting data from a first semester college calculus course. (MP)

Results from a large-scale study of sixth-form and college students' understanding of elementary calculus and mathematical ideas underlying calculus are presented. Difficulties with speed, tables, linear graphs, curves and differences, the tangent as the limit, and the average rate of change are each discussed. (MNS)

This study, based on individual interviews with 100 students (aged 16 to 22 years), was designed to investigate understanding of elementary calculus (particularly integration and differentiation). Results indicated that items related to understanding integration as the limit of a sum were difficult even for good students. (Author/MP)

The objectives of this study were to collect and summarize data on students enrolled in a three course sequence of calculus at Valencia Community College, and to describe the educational goals of these students. Specifically, the study sought information about the success rate, previous college mathematics, and scores on a standardized test of…

This dissertation reports the results of a one-year pilot study conducted to determine the feasibility of a small group-discovery method with a class of college freshmen studying calculus. The class consisted of twelve volunteer students who had A or B grades in their high school mathematics courses. The pilot class scored slightly better on a…

This document contains nine research papers presented at the Joint Special Session on Research in Undergraduate Mathematics Education at the annual meeting of the American Mathematical Society and the Mathematical Association of America (San Francisco, California, January 1991). Paper titles are: "The Teaching and Learning of College…

Investigated students' (N=110) understanding of elementary calculus using clinical interview method. Analysis of responses to tasks concerning differentiation and rate of change led to detailed data concerning degree of understanding attained and common errors/misconceptions. Implications for mathematics instruction are discussed. (This is a…