The Impact of Calculus Reform on Long-term Student Performance

微积分改革是近十多年来的一项重大教育创新。许多学院和大学在他们的微积分课程中至少在一定程度上采用了某种形式的微积分改革。这项改革也一直是数学界相当大的争议焦点，在许多数学部门中，都有直言不讳的捍卫者和反对者。然而，几乎没有经验证据支持这两种观点。其中一位作者(甘特)之前对微积分改革的文献进行了回顾，得出的结论是，关于对学生成绩和态度的影响，结果喜忧参半。本研究试图通过配对参加“传统”或“改革”微积分班的学生，为微积分改革的长期效果提供信息。这些学生从7个机构的班级中抽出，他们的表现将在微积分之后的课程中进行考试。我们亦会从这些院校的高年级学生中抽取更多样本，测试他们的微积分知识，并探讨雇主对微积分改革背景的兴趣。研究将由首席调查员进行，并由首席调查员从参与研究的院校中抽取七名评核“研究员”，并由首席调查员培训。然后，“研究员”将成为数学界和科学界的持续资源。

ICalculus reform has been a major educational innovation extending over the past decade and more. Many colleges and universities have adopted, at least in part, some form of calculus reform in their calculus courses. The reform has also been the focus of considerable controversy in the mathematics community, with vocal defenders and opponents to be found within many mathematics departments. However, there has been little empirical evidence to support either position. A previous review of the literature on calculus reform by one of the authors (Ganter) concluded that findings were mixed regarding impacts on student achievement and attitudes. This study attempts to provide information on long-term effects of calculus reform by employing matching sets of students who were enrolled in either "traditional" or "reform" calculus classes. The performance of these students, drawn from classes in 7 institutions, will be examined in courses subsequent to calculus. A larger sample of seniors from these same institutions will also be tested on their knowledge of calculus.The interest of employers in calculus reform backgrounds will also be explored.The study will be carried out by the Principal Investigators with the assistance of 7 evaluation "Fellows" drawn from the institutions involved in the study and trained by the Principal Investigators. The "Fellows" will then be a continuing resource for the mathematics and science communities.