RUME 25
2023
Omaha, Nebraska
Introductory Calculus Instructional Practices Around Student Prior Knowledge
Page: 1031
Calculus is a pivotal course for postsecondary students and serves as a gatekeeper to advanced mathematics courses and STEM majors. This study considers the frequency with which instructors report engaging in practices that may help to strengthen introductory calculus students’ prior knowledge. Using survey responses (N=136), this study reports on results from a set of questions that measures these practices. Results illustrate that instructors may use various practices to address students' prior knowledge in their introductory calculus classroom. Additionally, instructors provided examples of practices they use in response to student prior knowledge that are not explicitly considered in the literature. This implies that a closer look at what is happening in the classrooms may be key in understanding the current state of how instructors are dealing with student prior knowledge in introductory calculus.