ERIC Number: EJ1144875
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017-Apr
Pages: 6
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0025-5769
EISSN: N/A
A Calculus Activity with Foundations in Geometric Learning
Wagner, Jennifer; Sharp, Janet
Mathematics Teacher, v110 n8 p618-623 Apr 2017
Calculus, perhaps more than other areas of mathematics, has a reputation for being steeped with procedures. In fact, through the years, it has been noticed of many students getting caught in the trap of trying to memorize algorithms and rules without developing associated concept knowledge. Specifically, students often struggle with the fundamental concept of a limit. Many textbooks motivate limits, and ultimately the definition of the derivative, by briefly presenting secant lines and tangent lines in the context of rates of change. To enhance this traditional approach, the authors created small-group activities that would gently introduce students to conceptual components of a limit in a student-centered environment. The authors consulted well-established learning theories about geometric visualization and concept development. In this article, the authors describe how they developed their concept-based activities and how their students responded.
Descriptors: Calculus, Mathematics Instruction, Mathematical Concepts, Concept Formation, Student Centered Learning, Small Group Instruction, Textbooks, Learning Theories, Visualization, Teaching Methods, Geometric Concepts, State Universities, Undergraduate Students, Student Reaction, Mathematics Tests, Computer Software, Computer Assisted Instruction
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. 1906 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191. Tel: 800-235-7566; Tel: 703-620-9840; Fax: 703-476-2570; e-mail: NCTM@nctm.org; Web site: http://www.nctm.org/publications/mathematics-teacher/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: Teachers
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Kansas
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A