University/Organization
Texas A&M University
Title
Increasing Calculus II Success with a Bridging Program
Synopsis
It is well known that success in any mathematics course is very dependent upon a high degree of success in prerequisite courses. STEM majors generally require a sequence of mathematics courses, and grades tend to drift downward throughout the sequence of courses. The mathematics department at Texas A&M University launched a one-week Bridge Program to improve calculus skills for students who earned a B or C in Calculus I in order to better prepare them for success in Calculus II. 122 students participated at least 25 minutes, and 41 completed the survey at the midpoint of the Calculus II the following semester. Students participated online with headsets to interact with a live tutor for 3 hours per day for 5 days in a mini session between the fall 2013 and spring 2014 semesters. Students who completed the survey (n = 41) felt better prepared for Calculus II.