Collaborative Research: Blending Physics Contexts with Calculus in the Mathematics Methods Course

This Level 2 IUSE Engaged Student Learning project, from California State University Fullerton, the University of Washington, and the University of Maine, aims to serve the national interest by exploring and working to strengthen physics majors’ Physics Quantitative Literacy (PQL). Undergraduate physics students take multiple mathematics courses, yet research shows that coordinating mathematical procedures with the conceptual aspects of physics problems can be a challenge. This project focuses on second-year mathematical methods course for physics students, which is widely offered across institutions nationwide. Building from a prior multiyear study, project will study the skills that students bring into mathematical methods courses and how those align with faculty expectations and assumptions about students’ mathematical skills and thinking. The project research findings will be used to develop instructional materials for mathematical methods and additional resources for both mathematical methods and other calculus-based physics courses. Understanding students’ PQL is essential to improving undergraduate physics majors’ learning and outcomes. Project research will focus on three key areas: learning objectives in mathematical methods courses; the expectations and assumptions of instructors regarding prerequisite mathematical knowledge and skills; and how to blend recently acquired mathematics knowledge with physics contexts. Data sources include faculty and student interviews, classroom observations and videos, and examples of student work. The project will be supported by an expert advisory board that will evaluate the project’s progress towards its goals. The NSF IUSE: EDU Program supports research and development projects to improve the effectiveness of STEM education for all students. Through the Engaged Student Learning track, the program supports the creation, exploration, and implementation of promising practices and tools. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.