PME-NA

An Extension of Dweck's Mindset Theory Within Calculus I

• In Event: Mindsets and Positioning

Description

Historically, Calculus I is a notorious barrier to many students’ completion of a STEM degree. In Fall 2023, we taught a large lecture section of Calculus I with the intention of increasing the success rate for students by implementing a minor metacognitive intervention. In this paper, we investigate the organic evolution of calculus student mindsets as they occurred in real-time throughout a full semester by analyzing short reflective prompts that the students completed voluntarily. When the data was disaggregated according to students’ high school calculus exposure (or not), results revealed that these groups had antithetical mindset trends. Results further suggest that engaging students in regular metacognitive reflection coupled with a strategic framing of calculus may significantly increase course success rates within an exam-heavy, highly coordinated grading structure.

Authors

• Devin Kaylie Hensley, Auburn University

• Haile Gilroy, McNeese State University/Auburn University