Activating Calculus to Command the Seas: Reflecting on Ten Years of Active and Inquiry-Based Learning at the US Naval Academy

Over the past 10 years, the authors of this paper have implemented a series of project-based and inquiry-based learning initiatives in the calculus sequence at our institution. These initiatives took place in a department with an existing strong culture supporting teaching innovation and improvement...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:PRIMUS : problems, resources, and issues in mathematics undergraduate studies resources, and issues in mathematics undergraduate studies, 2021, Vol.31 (3-5), p.449-466
Main Authors: Ksir, Amy E., Allman, Justin M., Hetherington, Noble, Selbach-Allen, Megan E., Skipper, Daphne
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Active Learning
Armed Forces
Calculus
College Faculty
Communities of Practice
Course Descriptions
Departments
Faculty Development
Higher education
Inquiry
Inquiry method
inquiry-based learning
Instructional Leadership
Leadership
Learning
Mathematics Instruction
Mathematics Tests
Military Training
Professional Autonomy
project-based learning
Redesign
Scores
Seminars
Student Projects
Teaching Methods
Undergraduate Students
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Summary:Over the past 10 years, the authors of this paper have implemented a series of project-based and inquiry-based learning initiatives in the calculus sequence at our institution. These initiatives took place in a department with an existing strong culture supporting teaching innovation and improvement. In this paper, we describe three initiatives in detail. We describe how in one, a syllabus redesign allowed for more instructor autonomy. In another, we were able to significantly improve student buy-in. We describe key support we received from our department and institutional leadership at each stage, as well as from working in community with each other. Finally, by looking at the long arc of change in our department, we hope to encourage others who are encountering roadblocks. By working in community, we have created an environment where active learning can flourish.
ISSN:1051-1970
1935-4053
DOI:10.1080/10511970.2020.1772922