3:30-5:30pm, FRIDAYS in IT 290

What exactly is CALCULUS SUCCESS?

Based on a successful model for teaching at Oregon State University (Calculus Excel), students at Fresno State are highly encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to participate in weekly Friday workshops, intended to increase conceptual understanding and success in Math 75. According to research done at Oregon State which studied the effects of their workhops over a period of 19 sections, it was found that on average, students that participated performed 1/2 a grade point better in their classes. Keep in mind that this could mean the difference between a D and ending up with a C- passing grade on one hand, or going from a B+ to an A- grade on the other hand! At Fresno State, an A- goes down in the books as an A!

Currently at Fresno State, the CALCULUS SUCCESS workshop is not an official course, but is being made available to Math 75 students during the Fall 2015 semester. When this is an official course, the grading policy is CR/NC with CR being given if no more then two sessions are missed. Keep in mind that in order to achieve the desired results, participants during the Fall '15 semester should not miss any more than (2) two sessions!

CALCULUS SUCCESS is NOT tutoring for your MATH 75 course. It IS inquiry-based learning ... but what is that? Imagine a room full of students working together in small groups as they solve relatively challenging math problems. The room is noisy; frequently there is laughter. There is lots of conversation -- about mathematics.

What does CALCULUS SUCCESS require?

CALCULUS SUCCESS requires that all students be prompt and faithful in their attendance at a Friday workshop each week.

... AND that students work together cooperatively in small groups. In every workshop session they are expected to actively discuss, share ideas and insights, and support each other's efforts as they solve problems.

CALCULUS SUCCESS requires no extra homework outside the workshop sessions; however, students must be on pace with the course material in order to be prepared and achieve the desired effects.

 

What makes CALCULUS SUCCESS work?

"Students helping students to learn mathematics" is our focus. Students learn best when they teach each, help and communicate with each other at their own levels ... asking questions, explaining concepts, discussing strategies, sharing frustrations and celebrating successes.

CALCULUS SUCCESS students must take responsibility for their own learning and the learning of their peers.

 

What Students at Oregon State said about CALCULUS SUCCESS?

"Four heads are better than one. You learn best when you help others!"

"CALCULUS SUCCESS helps you to meet other people and see their techniques in solving difficult problems."

"To my surprise, the worksheet problems were much more complicated and required more thought than our assigned problems. They helped me understand the material at a much higher level."

"I am understanding and learning in different ways thanks to other students. Doing my own thinking helps on exams and quizzes."