Summary of reform: New Wave Calculus involves multi-level efforts including: faculty development, assessment, encouragement of risk taking, cooperative homework groups, development of community in class, standards which emphasize problem solving, geometric visualization, and quantitative reasoning. In addition, New Wave Calculus involves understanding numerically, graphically, algebraically and through means such as writing and use of graphic calculators. Evaluation of the various components is necessary to assess outcomes. Class size is typically limited to 24 students.
In regard to the specific curriculum, there is an emphasis on story problems in order to relate calculus to the real world (problem centered curriculum). Pedagogical changes ask faculty to become more more of a facilitator of group projects and active learning. Faculty listen to students as they try to develop understanding, identify gaps in knowledge, and ways to clarify what they have just learned. Teaching becomes a human experience of relating to students not just communicating a body of knowledge. Small class size is necessary for the development of trust needed for students to engage in discussion and take risks in learning. Small class size also allows for detailed feedback on homework. New uses of interactive mathematics texts through a grant through IBM.
Connection to other reforms:Science
Reform
Model Institutions:University of Michigan, Duke, Purdue, Haverford
College, Harvard, University of Minnesota, University of Maryland;
University of Arizona; Seattle Central Community College
Web Site:
http://www.math.okstate.edu/archives/calcrefm.html
Types of institutions: Research University
Duration: Since 1988.
Source list of institutions: Mathematical Association of
America
Contact for further information: Lynn Steen, Mathematical Science
Board; Robert Cole, Evergreen State
Outcomes: Critical thinking, problem solving, writing, cooperative skills, geometric visualization, and quantitative reasoning.
Process: New Wave Calculus involves modified curriculum, textbook and pedagogy as well as smaller class size
K-12 parallel:
Origination of reform: Association or national level
Support: Government grant-NSF
Linking Characteristic 1: Collaboration
Linking Characteristic 2: Making environments smaller
Linking Characteristic 3:
Linking Characteristic 4:
Assessment? Yes
Resistances: Many of the resistances to New Wave Calculus are similar to the resistance to science reforms. Student culture is seen as a barrier as students often feel they are not being taught and are resentful and skeptical as a result. Faculty and students are both frustrated at times because these classes move more slowly than traditional classes. Specifically, there is a perception that students are not learning as much content as they should
Evolution/History: Evolved out of studies.
Major sources:
Brackebusch, Ann. (1993.) Initiating Reform at Olympic College. Washington Center News, 7(2), 14-15.
Cole, Robert S. (1993.) Calculus Reform and the Revitalizing of Mathematics Education. Washington Center News, 7(2), 1-2.
Cole, Robert S. (1996.) Changing Teaching; Changing Teachers; The Impact of Calculus Reform. Washington Center News, 10(1), 1-2.
From Analysis to Action: Undergraduate Education in Science, Mathematics, Engineering and Technology.
Righi, Bobby. (1996.) What Students Say about Group Work in Calculus. Washington Center News, 10(1), 8-11.
Steen, Lynn, ed. Reshaping College Mathematics. The Mathematical Association of America, (1989), MAA Notes #13.
Steen, Lynn, ed. Heeding the Call for Change: Suggestions for Curricular Action. The Mathematical Association of America, (1992), MAA Notes #22.
Tucker, Thomas, ed. Priming the Calculus Pump. Innovation and Resources. The Mathematical Association of America, (1990), MAA Notes #17.
University of Michigan. (1993.) New Calculus Program: Progress Report. Unpublished manuscript.
The Washington Center, Winter, 1993 and Winter/Spring 1996
Wilson, Robin. (1997.) "Reform Calculus" Has Been a Disaster, Critics Charge. Chronicle of Higher Education, February 7, 1997, A12.