The study of problems in learning the Calculus and Geometry 1

The purposes of this study were to study the problems in learning the Calculus and Geometry 1 course and to propose the suggestions to solve the problems. The qualitative method was used as a research design in this study. The informants were 8, students who failed and reenrolled in Calculus and Geometry 1 more than 1 time, and 3 Mathematics lecturers. The research instrument used in data gathering was semi-structured interview. The data obtained were analyzed through coding technique. The results revealed that there were two main problems: 1) one was derived from the students themselves including the background knowledgeof students, the lack of ability to apply the knowledge, the frequently absences, the lack of attention in learning, the negative attitudes towards Mathematics and calculation learning, and the lack of intention do practice, and 2) the other was from the Mathematics itself which there were a lot of formula and content to remember, and the difficultyof thesubject. However, suggestions revealed that thereshould bethe Mathematics remedial course for students to give them the necessary basic knowledge before studying the Calculus and Geometry 1 course, the suitable learning environment should be created to promote the effective Mathematics learning such as comfortable classroom facility and the numbers of student in classroom.