PROCEEDINGS OF THE 15TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON RESEARCH IN UNDERGRADUATE MATHEMATICS EDUCATION (Vol 2)
2012
Portland, Oregon
Two parallel calculuses: The one taught and the one used
Page: 2-45
Calculus is an important tool for building mathematical models of the world around us and is thus used in a variety of disciplines, such as physics and engineering. These disciplines rely on calculus courses to provide the mathematical foundation needed for success in their courses. Unfortunately, due to the parallel nature of the calculus taught, many students leave their calculus course(s) with an understanding misaligned with what is needed in the discipline courses and are thus ill-prepared. By working with presumed experts (undergraduate mathematics and other discipline faculty members), this study developed a small number of prototype tasks that elicit, document, and measure students’ understanding of a few calculus concepts the faculty participants believe to be essential to successful academic pursuits within their respective disciplines. This presentation details the data and analysis from the concluding rounds of research. Implications of this research for calculus instruction and curriculum are mentioned.