ERIC Number: EJ1106160
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-2156-1400
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Using Dynamic Software to Address Common College Calculus Stumbling Blocks
Seneres, Alice W.; Kerrigan, John A.
Journal of Mathematics Education at Teachers College, v5 n2 p29-37 Fall-Win 2014
There are specific topics in college calculus that can be major stumbling blocks for students. Having taught college calculus for four years to over a thousand students, we observed that even the students who have already taken pre-calculus or calculus during their high school careers had common misunderstandings. Students may remember a technique without retaining the understanding of why it can be applied or what it is accomplishing, essentially only having knowledge of a rote procedure. Educators can address these areas of difficulty by regularly utilizing dynamic technologies such as Geometer's Sketchpad and Desmos in the classroom to fully illustrate calculus concepts. With these tools, teachers can help their students better understand how to reason mathematically in calculus.
Descriptors: Mathematics Education, Mathematics Instruction, College Mathematics, Calculus, Computer Software, College Students, Mathematical Concepts, Graphs, Advanced Placement Programs, Technology Uses in Education
Program in Mathematics and Education, Teachers College, Columbia University. 525 West 120th Street Box 210-M, New York, NY 10027. Web site: http://www.tc.columbia.edu/jmetc
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
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Author Affiliations: N/A