Incorporating Technology and Multidisciplinary Applications in a Team-Taught Lecture-Laboratory Calculus Course

North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, Greensboro NC

Investigators

Abstract

Mathematical Sciences (21) This project addresses two national needs: the quality of Science, Technological, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education for all students needs improvement; and the participation of populations currently underrepresented in the STEM pipeline needs to be increased, thus increasing the pool of professionals available for the careers in science and engineering. The general goal of the project is therefore to improve the success rate of undergraduate students in STEM disciplines, particularly targeting minority populations. The specific objectives pursued in order to achieve this goal are formulated in order to enhance student motivation, increase student time on task, strengthen student problem solving and analytical skills, and enhance the participation of faculty at minority serving institutions in effecting STEM education improvement. In order to accomplish these objectives, the Virginia Tech Emporium is adapted and implemented. Other innovative educational materials that incorporate information technology and STEM discipline specific applications to enhance content and motivate students are developed, and a model Lecture-Laboratory Calculus course is developed and tested which incorporates these materials.