Research Center for the Teaching and Learning of Calculus

Overview

The long-term goal of the RCTLC is to design a calculus curriculum that considers the perspectives of both students and faculty regarding the teaching and learning of calculus. With the RCTLC team, we have conducted several phases of data collection and analysis. 

Initially, we gathered data from approximately 225 students taking Calculus I, II, and III in the spring of 2023 using surveys and interviews, involving eight students. The quantitative dataset includes a demographic survey, a mathematics relevancy survey, and a technology survey.

The second phase of data collection included approximately 200 students taking calculus for business in the fall of 2023, followed by ten interviews. Implications from our study indicate the need for professional development to better align online homework and facilitate opportunities for human interaction and non-content-related interactions between students and instructors.

News & Announcements

Collaborators

Dissemination

1. 1. 1. Feliciano-Semidei, R., Palencia, K., & Bustillo-Zárate, A. (2024). An exploration of human factors that influence the acceptance of technology in calculus students. Proceedings of the 26th Annual Conference on Research in Undergraduate Mathematics Education. http://sigmaa.maa.org/rume/Site/Proceedings.html

      2. Bustillo, A., Palencia, K., & Feliciano-Semidei, R. (2023). Creencias de los estudiantes de cálculo: un estudio inicial [Presentation]. Interuniversity Seminar on Research in the Mathematical Sciences XXXVIII (SIDIM). Mayagüez, PR.

      3. Bustillo, A., Palencia, K., & Feliciano-Semidei, R. (2023). Students’ perspectives about the use of technology in calculus classes [Presentation in the research on undergraduate mathematics education session]. Math Fest 2023. Tampa, FL.

      4. Duncan, B., Palencia, K., Feliciano-Semidei, R., Bustillo Zárate, A., & Wu, K. (2024). First generation calculus students’ beliefs [Poster session]. 26th Annual Conference on Research in Mathematics Undergraduate Education, Omaha, NE. 

      5. Palencia, K. A., Feliciano-Semidei, R. & Bustillo, A. (2023). Students’ perspectives about learning and relevance of calculus [Presentation in the Improving DEI in departments and programs, examples and case studies session]. Math Fest 2023. Tampa, FL. 

      6. Palencia, K. A., Feliciano-Semidei, R. & Bustillo, A. (2023). The learning of Calculus considering student’s view of relevancy and use of technology, Conference on Diversity, Equity, and Student Success - American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), Henderson, NV. 

      7. Palencia, K., & Feliciano-Semidei, R. (2023, November 17). A study about calculus students’ perspectives: Small group work [Colloquium session]. Mathematics Colloquium at Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, United States.

      8. Palencia, K. (2023, November). Calculus students’ perspectives about the use of word problems [Conference session]. XIX Encuentro Internacional de Matemáticas (EIMAT). Universidad del Atlántico. Barranquilla, Colombia. 

      9. Session organizers: Palencia, K., Feliciano-Semidei, R. & Bustillo, A. (2024). Teaching and learning of calculus. Math Fest 2024. Indianapolis, IN, United States.

Grants

1. 1. 1. Culturally Relevant Opportunities for STEM Students through Calculus (CROSS-Calc). Principal Investigator: Kevin Palencia & Co-Principal Investigators: Christine Nguyen. Transdisciplinary Research Incubator for STEM Education (T-RISE), Northern Illinois University ($ 15,000, funded).