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Pedagogical Transformation in Precalculus Using Active Approach

Authors
  • Rabia Shahbaz (Georgia Gwinnett College)
  • Ekaterina Nathanson orcid logo (Georgia Gwinnett College)
  • Jamye Curry Savage orcid logo (Georgia Gwinnett College)
  • Sarah Park orcid logo (Georgia Gwinnett College)

Abstract

Recently, enrollment in college precalculus, a crucial prerequisite course for STEM majors progressing to calculus, has increased significantly (Kamil et al., 2024). However, the low success rates in these foundational courses often hinder students' progression in their chosen STEM major pathway. At our institution, we identified similar challenges and embarked on an initiative to enhance students’ engagement and confidence in mathematics classes. Research shows that students who are actively engaged and motivated in their learning process show higher levels of confidence which leads to improved academic performance (Fredricks et al., 2004; Freeman et al., 2014). To attain this goal, our team transformed our precalculus curriculum from a traditional lecture-based approach to a student-centered approach. This effort was supported by an Affordable Learning Georgia Grant (https://www.affordablelearninggeorgia.org/), allowing us to create accessible online resources, incorporating active learning in a blended instructional model with the aim of deepening student engagement and comprehension. To assess the impact of these changes on student academic performance and attitudes toward mathematics, we conducted a case study involving six precalculus sections in fall 2022. The purpose of this study was to enhance students’ success and investigate how active learning influences students’ attitudes and confidence levels in mathematics. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected through surveys developed by our research team. Data analysis revealed significant improvements in students' confidence levels and enthusiasm for mathematics. 

Keywords: Pedagogical Transformation, Blended Instruction, Active Learning, Student Engagement, Precalculus

How to Cite:

Shahbaz, R., Nathanson, E., Savage, J. C. & Park, S., (2025) “Pedagogical Transformation in Precalculus Using Active Approach”, Journal of Open Educational Resources in Higher Education 3(1), 37-58. doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/joerhe.17771

Rights:

CC-BY 4.0

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Funding

Name
Affordable Learning Grant
FundRef ID
https://www.affordablelearninggeorgia.org/
Funding ID
612

976 Views

111 Downloads

Published on
2025-01-10

Peer Reviewed

License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0

 Open peer review from Mubeshera Tufail

Scope, Objectives, Content

It was an interesting study. The scope and purpose of the study was clear and significant. The researchers emphasized the use the self-developed full access resources in this study. However, the link of these resources may be provided to the readers through web links in the papers. 



Organization

The description of the steps of the study and lietrature included is clear. However, there is a need to arrange the content of each section of the paper as format of a research article. I provided suggestions in the paper (uploaded on this platform).



Methodology, Approach, Conclusions

The procedure of the study is mentioned in detail. However, research design is not clear. Is it an experimenyal study or one group design? What are the limitatios of the studies involving only one group for the newly designed course? The data analysis may involve the construct wise analysis of data. There is no need to analyze the statement wise data for p value.  Suggestions for improvng the discussion are provided in the artcile document. 



Writing Style, References

The structure of content under various headings need revision. 



Application

Yes, it is helpful. However, sample class activity and/or link to the videos may be provided in the paper if authors consider appropriate to add these details. 



What are the stronger points/qualities of the article?

The write up of the paper is very clear. The procedure of the study is defined in detail. Limitations of the study are not mentioned in the paper. 



What are the weaker points/qualities of the article? How could they be strengthened?

The content under various headings of the paper may be checked. 



Peer Review Ranking: Scope
Highly relevant

Peer Review Ranking: Clarity
clear

Peer Review Ranking: Contribution
Highly contributes

Peer Review Ranking: Methodology
Highly appropriate

Peer Review Ranking: Conclusion
Highly sound

Note:
This review refers to round of peer review and may pertain to an earlier version of the document.