The Wisconsin Emerging Scholars (WES) program was started in 1993 to provide motivated students with an opportunity to study calculus in a challenging, friendly, multicultural environment. The math department offers several WES sections each semester, including sections in Math 221, 222, and 234. (Not all sections are offered every semester.)
WES sections are discussion sections attached to a large calculus lecture, but the WES section meets for two more hours per week than the regular discussion sections. A WES discussion section is generally more diverse than a regular section, and students work in small groups to practice problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and apply calculus to solve real-world problems. The class is led by a Teaching Assistant (TA) who has exhibited a passion for teaching; often the WES TAs receive awards recognizing their outstanding teaching abilities.
WES students form bonds with each other and with the TA which helps them to develop academic skills that increase engagement and belonging in mathematics. It also keeps enthusiasm high, which is necessary since the class requires time and effort. WES students do earn one extra credit in addition to the graded credits of calculus. Students co-enroll in calculus and math 228 (WES calculus supplement).
The WES section takes the same exams as everyone else in the lecture; thus, the WES section is covering standard calculus material at a standard pace. The difference is that the WES students spend more time exploring the concepts behind what is being taught in lecture and practicing the more challenging aspects of the course content. Consequently, the grades of the WES section are often the highest for the lecture.
WES-Calculus sections typically outperform the regular calculus discussions and achieve higher GPAs. Being a member of the WES community is hard work that requires serious commitment that results in great friendships, connections, and learning outcomes.
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What WES "Is"
WES-Calculus is…
- for students looking for a place to develop a sense of belonging in their math course;
- for motivated students willing to invest the time needed to learn the course content as well as develop a deep understanding of the underlying concepts
- an interactive discussion section with…
- 4 hours of weekly meeting times;
- ~16-20 students from diverse racial and cultural backgrounds;
- a dedicated graduate instructor.
- working in groups on worksheets with problems that…
- are highly conceptual;
- involve applications of the material
- A program that has closed the achievement gap
What WES "Is Not"
WES-Calculus is not…
- a study hall;
- a tutorial program;
- a substitute for attending lecture;
- substitute for working on material outside of the class.
Student Expecations
Students are expected to…
- study outside of discussion time;
- come prepared to class;
- actively participate in class discussion;
- complete assigned in-class worksheets;
- complete assigned homework and other assignments.