Helping Students Understand Technical Calculus via an Online Learning Supplement and Group Learning

Many students have many difficulties with learning calculus. Some of the difficulties stem from not thoroughly learning algebra, lack of problem solving skills, or lack of study skills. During the spring 2005 semester, the researcher worked with 20+ students in voluntary group discussion sessions, to help them to become more successful in technical calculus, overcome deficiencies in algebra, and improve their problem solving skills. The students worked with the researcher to become more familiar with the course material and to become more independent in their own learning by using a method called the three-step method, and an online learning supplement called the Technical Calculus Learning Supplement (TCLS). Many different results came out of the study through both qualitative and quantitative data analysis. For example, students that participated in the study performed significantly better in the course than non-participants, were motivated to learn, and had a positive attitude towards mathematics. The researcher will discuss the difficulties that students face when learning technical calculus, their perceptions on how the discussion sessions and TCLS helped them to perform better in the course, and the benefits students received from the discussion sessions and TCLS. In addition, some of the main results of the study will be discussed briefly