Mathematical Modeling Projects as a Vehicle Toward “Doing Mathematics” in a Traditional Calculus Course

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

PRIMUS

Author ORCID Identifier

Sarah C. Bogen https://orcid.org/0009-0008-8967-4197

Bertha N. D. Neequaye https://orcid.org/0009-0006-4489-8002

Brynja Kohler https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2395-5956 

Volume

35

Issue

1

Publisher

Taylor & Francis Inc.

Publication Date

2-10-2025

First Page

65

Last Page

85

Abstract

We analyze the impact of incorporating mathematical modeling projects and written reports into a first-semester calculus course. Students who participated in the mathematical modeling projects showed growth in ability to perform tasks at multiple levels of cognitive demand and developed more sophisticated conception of mathematical modeling while achieving progress toward calculus competency similar to that of students who did not participate in the mathematical modeling projects. We describe the modeling projects in detail and analyze and explain the assessments used to measure student learning of calculus and growth in their conception of the mathematical modeling process.

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