‘Scaffolding’ or ‘Filtering’: A Review of Studies on the Diverse Roles of Calculus Courses for Students, Professionals and Teachers

Abstract Calculus courses have been attracting the attention of mathematics education researchers over last decades. Recent publications and special issues dedicated to calculus highlight diverse roles in pathways for STEM studies within across educational levels, as well related academic preparation future professionals, including mathematicians, non-mathematics professionals (NMPs) teachers. In this paper, we review recent literature, mostly since 2015, identify characterize explicit references such courses. The highlights an intrinsic tension between two institutional calculus: scaffolding filtering. We find nuanced yet substantial variation how dual role is experienced managed different groups students stakeholders. With regard on students, attend changes rules underpinning notions processes, potential towards abstraction reasoning. contrast, NMPs report that often promote filtering rather than question transferability relevance those NMPs. Finally, challenge perception traditional tertiary scaffold school teaching underline need empirical research would explain nature it can be realized practice. conclude further research, particular theory development, needed address at intersection institutions, disciplines communities.