Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

Spring 4-24-2013

Abstract

The Valparaiso University Mathematics and Computer Science Department has been debating a shift from a D- to a C- in the calculus sequence prerequisite grade requirement. We first researched policies at other colleges and universities. Next, we gathered data on students' self-predicted grades by distributing pre- and post-semester surveys and measuring the accuracy of the results in comparison to the actual grade data. Using the surveys, we also associated students' expectations with their majors. In the end, we investigated whether or not prerequisite grades can predict subsequent course performance. Statistical analysis of the past four years of math student data determined that a student who received a C or lower in the prerequisite class generally would not improve in the subsequent course.

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