2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Learning Outcomes for Calculus I Students Grouped by Uniformly Low Pre-calculus Scores

Presented at Mathematics Division (MATH) Technical Session 2

This study examines the effects of grouping students with the lowest pre-calculus placement scores into one section of Calculus I. By comparing to similar students within other sections, we explored whether this grouping affected student performance academically in terms of increased precalculus proficiency throughout the semester, the number of calculus “targets” achieved, and the cumulative final exam. The results indicated almost no statistically significant difference in any of these outcomes. One exception was that students with the lowest preparation levels in the target group outperformed their peers from other sections in terms of calculus targets mastered by the end of the semester. Students in the target section were also much likelier to indicate satisfaction with their calculus placement, although this may be linked to their initial selection for the intervention group.

Authors

Dr. Diana D Morris University of Virginia [biography]

Dr. Diana Morris is an assistant professor at the University of Virginia, and enjoys teaching a variety of math courses to undergraduates.
Dr. Hui Ma University of Virginia [biography]

Dr. Hui Ma is an associate professor of applied math at the University of Virginia. She holds a Ph.D. in applied
mathematics from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her current research interest focuses on mathematics education and STEM education, in particular student-focused instruction and learning-based grading.
Dr. Deepyaman Maiti University of Virginia [biography]

Deepyaman Maiti is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Engineering and Society in the School of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Virginia. He teaches Introduction to Engineering and Applied Mathematics classes, and se

Note

The full paper will be available to logged in and registered conference attendees once the conference starts on June 21, 2026, and to all visitors after the conference ends on June 24, 2026

« View session