Effects of Classroom Disruption in High School Mathematics Courses on College Calculus Success

• In Event: Culturally Responsive, Culturally Relevant, Well-Being, Disruptions in Classrooms

Abstract

Literature exists about classroom disruption (CD) on a student's academic achievement; however, there is a scarcity of research on the long-term effects of CD. This study surveyed 10,492 introductory calculus students from 134 American colleges/universities about their high school experiences with CD in mathematics classes. We examined the lasting effects of high school experiences on students’ college calculus final grades. We found a significant and negative effect of CD. There was an interaction effect between CD and parental education. Students with less educated parents were most negatively affected by CD whilst students with highly educated parents were not affected by CD. This study suggests that family support can serve as a protective factor against negative school climate.

Authors

• Siphokazi Joice Kargbo, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics

• Chen Chen, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics

• Philip M. Sadler, Harvard University

• Gerhard Sonnert, Harvard University