Flipping a Precalculus Class

The Precalculus class at CSULB is currently taught in a large lecture format with the Northridge Hybrid Model. Assessment data collected and analyzed in conjuction with our redesigned Calculus 1 course have shown that the redesigned Precalculus class has had a positive effect on student performance and instructor effectiveness. In particular, pass rate for all Math 113 sections (all redesigned) in Fall 2013 was 75.1%, which brings the DFW failure rate below 30%. In addition, internal studies have shown that students with an A in Math 113 were three times as likely to pass Calculus 1 as students that pass Math 113 with a C. Consequently, improving the retention of STEM majors through their entire Calculus sequence hinges upon students' mastery of course material at this level. To this end, I decided to implement a flipped classroom hoping to increase students' exposure to doing and communicating mathematics and deepen their understanding of key concepts. Student's typical learning cycle includes exposing to materials with short (10~20 minute) videos with closed captions prior to class meetings, completing an instructor-led group quiz by the end of the class, and doing an optional online homework for students who want the extra practice. On an average day, rough 80% of the students attend classes. The midterm averages are comparable to other sections of Math 113 adopting the original Hybrid Model while students in the flippd class demonstrated a superior accumulation of content on the cumulative common final exam. An analysis of students' attitude changes during the course of the semester indicated that the students were intellectually challenged by the in-class tasks, experienced a change in their perspectives on the problem-solving process, and enjoyed learning with others on math-related tasks. The end-of-semester perception survey results indicated that a majority of the students enjoyed learning in the flipped class and left the class with many meta-skills such as time management, independent learning, and teamwork.