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Factors that affect success in AP calculus

<p> The purpose of this study was to investigate factors that predict success in AP Calculus. The factors investigated include student study habits, such as time spent doing homework, working with a study group or tutor, phoning a friend for help, or using the Internet for help. The study also examined the classroom environment and structure and the affect of teacher knowledge and attitude on predicting success. Additionally, teacher teaching styles and teacher designed lessons that predicted success in AP Calculus were investigated. Seventy-three (<i>N</i>=73) former students in the course participated in the study. An online survey was conducted to collect data for the study. The study used multiple regressions to analyze the student data. The results showed that, when taken together, student study habits and teacher teaching styles were two factors that were statistically significant predictors of success in AP Calculus. The study found that the Internet was a factor that predicted success of AP Calculus which was important as students become more and more wired into cell phones, tablets, and other media devices.</p><p> Conversely, the results also showed that the classroom environment and structure, teacher knowledge and attitude, and the teacher designed lessons were not statistically significant in predicting success in AP Calculus. However, even though these were not significant statistically, the students expressed that they were very important contributors to their success. Recommendations include the application of specific study habits, teaching styles, and increase use of the Internet resources to students in school, including increased access to their various handheld devices such as cell phones and tablets.</p><p> Additionally it is recommended to continue the examination success factors in higher level math courses such as AP Calculus.</p>

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:PROQUEST/oai:pqdtoai.proquest.com:1572428
Date04 February 2015
CreatorsAmici, Pamela Gene
PublisherCalifornia State University, Long Beach
Source SetsProQuest.com
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
Typethesis

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