PROCEEDINGS OF THE 21ST ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON RESEARCH IN UNDERGRADUATE MATHEMATICS EDUCATION
2018
San Diego, California
Multivariable Calculus Textbook Analysis Highlights a Lack of Representation for Non-Cartesian Coordinate Systems
Page: 1654
Upper-division undergraduate physics coursework necessitates a grasp of mathematical knowledge, including an understanding of non-Cartesian coordinate systems. To fully grasp what upper-division physics’ students understanding of non-Cartesian coordinates is, it is worthwhile to study the mathematics course where non-Cartesian coordinate systems are taught most extensively, Multivariable Calculus. Seven Multivariable Calculus textbooks were examined using content analysis techniques. Additionally, textbook items in four textbooks were qualitatively coded by coordinate system. Results indicate that there were few instances where non-Cartesian coordinate systems were present. These findings suggest that before upper-division physics coursework, students’ instruction on non-Cartesian coordinate systems is minimal and that it might be difficult for students to employ mathematical techniques that involve non-Cartesian coordinates in their upper-division courses.