NSF Awards $525,000 to Shape Algebra and Precalculus Instruction

The National Science Foundation has awarded $525,000 to support a three-year project directed by mathematics professor Bernard L. Madison.

The project, Using Research to Shape Instruction and Placement in Algebra and Precalculus, is a cooperative effort of researchers at several universities and the Mathematical Association of America.

Madison will work closely with his leadership team, co-principal investigator Marilyn Carlson of Arizona State University, co-principal investigator Caren Diefenderfer of Hollins University, and the incoming executive director of the Mathematical Association of America, Michael Pearson, who will serve as project manager and principal investigator for the association.

Recent research results in undergraduate mathematics education have revealed critical understandings that students need to succeed in algebra, precalculus, and calculus. Over the past three years these results were utilized to produce a new research-based placement examination for calculus, called the Calculus Concept Readiness test. The content of this examination, part of the Mathematics Association of America's placement testing suite that is marketed and delivered by Maplesoft, will be explained and disseminated during the project to make precalculus instruction more effective.

In addition, the project will produce an examination analogous to the Calculus Readiness test, but aimed at readiness for algebra and precalculus. This instrument, too, will be explained and disseminated to improve algebra and precalculus instruction at both high school and college.

Since 2008 Madison has served as director of the MAA/Maplesoft placement testing suite and has written and spoken frequently on using research results to shape instruction and placement.