PROCEEDINGS OF THE 20TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON RESEARCH IN UNDERGRADUATE MATHEMATICS EDUCATION
2017
San Diego, California
A success factor model for calculus: The relative impact of and connections between factors affecting student success in college calculus
Page: 871
What factors (in terms of the student) contribute to success in college calculus, and what are the relationships between and relative importance of these factors? This study addresses these questions by building on the Academic Performance Determinants Model (Credé and Kuncel, 2008). A new model called the Success Factor Model for Calculus was developed using semi- structured and task-based interviews with fourteen first-semester college calculus students. The data suggests that creative mathematical reasoning and knowing-why are not required for success on college calculus tests. Alternatively, motivation is a determining factor in success in that students can perform well on exams by being motivated to know how to solve specific types of problems. Motivation is decreased by some course-specific factors, such as lack of structure and accountability, and its effect on success is decreased sometimes by a lack of study skills and habits.