RUME 25
2023
Omaha, Nebraska
The role of derivatives across multivariable and vector calculus instruction using multivariational reasoning and students’ interpretations of matrix equations
Page: 873
Multivariable and vector calculus (MVC) encompasses a wide array of different types of functions and the extension of numerous ideas from univariable calculus to MVC contexts. In this paper, I reflect on some of the more recent work on student thinking and learning of derivatives in MVC settings by leveraging some of the recent work on students’ multivariational reasoning and student thinking and learning of linear algebra topics. I conclude with examples of ways to conceptualize derivatives as linear transformations to support students in progressing towards a unified notion of the derivative concept throughout MVC instruction.