| Summary: | This research tested whether Reform-Based Approaches (RBAs) in the learning and teaching of calculus could lead to improved conceptual understanding. The study adopted positivistic paradigm, quantitative approach and pre- and post-test in a quasi-experimental design. The theoretical framework was Constructivism. The interventions were grounded on learner-centred RBAs including Interactive Engagement (IE), Peer Discussion (PD) and Good Questions (GQ). The experimental group comprised 119 volunteering students from a population of 461 registered for Mathematics as a service subject for the National Diploma (ND) in science or engineering at a South African university. Those not in the experimental group were taught through teacher-centred traditional approaches which have been the norm. However, only 71 out of those in the traditionally taught cohort volunteered to write both Pre- and Post-tests. As such, the total number of subjects in the study was 190, i.e., 119 from the Reform-Based cohort and 71 from the Traditional cohort. The instrument, the Calculus Concept Inventory for Technicians (CCIT), consisted of 19 questions on functions, differentiation and integration. Based on a pilot test, the instrument was improved. The Reform-Based cohort did not receive any participation reward and test scores did not contribute to promotion scores. The students wrote Pre-tests in the second week after commencement of lectures and Post-tests during the last week of lectures. The data were analysed using various statistical tools, tests and measures such as Chi-squares, Student t-tests, Pearson’s Product Moment correlation, Cronbach alpha, KR-20, the Difficulty Index, and Item Discrimination Point Biserial Index (PBI). The raw gain and normalised gains were also employed in data analyses. The main finding of this study was that RBA made a significant impact on the conceptual understanding of calculus of the experimental group. The gain achieved by the experimental group was in a low range and corresponded to the low use of IE (25% of contact time). A combination of RBA with Traditional teaching is recommended. Also, RBA will be most successfully introduced if supplemented and complemented through supportive environments.
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