ERIC Number: EJ1018324
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013-Feb
Pages: 8
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0025-5769
EISSN: N/A
Students' Exploratory Thinking about a Nonroutine Calculus Task
Nabb, Keith
Mathematics Teacher, v106 n6 p432-439 Feb 2013
In this article on introductory calculus, intriguing questions are generated that can ignite an appreciation for the subject of mathematics. These questions open doors to advanced mathematical thinking and harness many elements of research-oriented mathematics. Such questions also offer greater incentives for students to think and reflect. Research has shown that nonroutine problems in algebra may alter students' impressions of mathematics and allow for a keener sense of understanding and more productive lines of thinking. Perhaps the greatest benefit to teachers is seeing the application of important mathematical ideas outside the narrow context in which they are often introduced. An open-ended calculus problem is presented that spurs novelties in student thinking and shows the benefits of timely teacher intervention.
Descriptors: Calculus, Introductory Courses, Mathematics Instruction, Algebra, Mathematical Logic, Problem Solving, College Mathematics, Undergraduate Study
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. 1906 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191-1502. Tel: 800-235-7566; Tel: 703-620-3702; Fax: 703-476-2970; e-mail: orders@nctm.org; Web site: http://www.nctm.org/publications/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: Teachers
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A