Empowering Students’ Comprehension in Calculus with eCALculator

Abstract

Calculus is a fundamental subject in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) study programs. Despite the introduction of basic calculus concepts as early as secondary school, many undergraduate students still encounter difficulties in comprehending and solving differentiation and integration problems. As calculus is fundamental to fields like science and engineering, possessing a solid mathematical and calculus foundation becomes essential for STEM students. Struggling to grasp these fundamental concepts not only impacts performance in calculus but also poses challenges when tackling advanced related topics. Recognizing this challenge, the eCALculator is introduced as a comprehensive and accessible solution. This innovative tool takes the form of a step-by-step e-manual, guiding students in determining a function’s derivatives and integrals using a calculator. The e-manual can be accessed via a flipbook, encompasses instructional videos and exercises. The eCALculator was tested to 40 engineering students enrolled in Calculus courses at UiTM Cawangan Pulau Pinang. Survey results indicate that the eCALculator not only helps improving students’ comprehension and accuracy in calculus problem-solving but also increases motivation and interest in learning, particularly among low-achieving mathematics students who require additional support.