The mathematics department faculty of San Diego Miramar College will embark is a project called “Calculus in Action” to revolutionize our Calculus pathway by developing a Calculus Lab course which will accompany their lecture sections. They will implement active-learning strategies to support authentic student engagement as well as integrating mastery-based grading schemes to innovate the way students learn Calculus. These active learning strategies will include a redesign for disciplines such as life science, computer science, modeling and/or other contextualized examples. Their intent is to specifically target strategies and innovation that will increase enrollment, success, and retention in order to close equity gaps in our STEM path students.
This project will require development of curriculum, laboratory workbooks, and activities that will help students connect to Calculus and apply the curriculum to areas that interest them. The target populations of the proposed project are all Miramar college Calculus students, in particular, disproportionately impacted groups such as Black and Latinx students. The project team believes that a contextualized and active learning approach will help all students be more engaged and successful. Their aim is to create a deep impact on these students with regards to their own self-image as STEM students and their connection with STEM peers. Furthermore, this project will support the growth of their STEM self-identity and sense of belonging as a STEM major. San Diego Miramar College has found these, or the lack thereof, to be two major hindrances to our traditionally underserved students in STEM, and a key reason why many do not find the support they need in pursuing these majors.