Enhancing conceptual understanding in differential calculus through EasyDiff

Basic differential calculus is a core mathematical competency required for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students. However, students often struggle to recall basic differentiation formulas and apply them correctly across different function types, including polynomial, natural logarithmic, exponential, and trigonometric functions. To address these challenges, EasyDiff was developed, which combines formula recall, hands-on practice, and a feedback mechanism that checks answers through digital codes, facilitating continuous improvement. The platform not only helps students memorize essential differentiation techniques but also enhances their problem-solving skills through interactive exercises. By providing instant feedback, EasyDiff empowers learners to identify their mistakes and build confidence in their calculus abilities. Instant scoring features are also provided to enhance student engagement and motivate frequent practice. Moreover, the platform includes various difficulty levels, allowing students to progress at their pace. This adaptability ensures that learners of all backgrounds can obtain the support they need to master differentiation concepts effectively. This study sought to evaluate EasyDiff's effect on problem-solving accuracy, learning engagement, and long-term conceptual understanding related to differential calculus. The study participants comprised students taking Calculus I from October 2024 to February 2025. The study adopted a one-group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design, where the investigators used a paired t-test to determine significant differences in students' conceptual understanding of differential calculus. The study reveals a significant improvement in students' conceptual understanding following the use of EasyDiff. Students' feedback also provided further validation for EasyDiff's effectiveness, where the tool was rated highly positive in terms of facilitating conceptual understanding in differential calculus. The results point to the encouraging potential of gamified approaches such as EasyDiff for higher education mathematics teaching and suggest wider applicability and scalability to the educational technology community.