Three short articles on teaching procedures are presented. They concern: (1) a simple introduction to the derivative; (2) using derivatives to solve polynomial equations; and (3) mathematical applications in problems concerning force due to gravity. (JG)

An alternative approach is described for presenting the idea of the derivative through the use of chords of a graph. (MP)

Explores the extent and nature of students' calculator usage as determined from examination scripts in the Western Australian Calculus Tertiary Entrance Examination. Discusses errors made and understanding called upon for seven questions. Discusses instruction and assessment of skills associated with graphical interpretation. (Author/KHR)

The overwhelming tendency of textbooks to ignore the midpoint-rectangle method of approximating a definite integral is noted. Examples are given, with stress on the accuracy of the method. (MNS)

Compares the attitudes about mathematics of students from traditionally taught calculus classes and those taught in a "reformed" calculus course. Reports that one to two years after, reform students felt significantly more that they understood how math was used and that they had been required to understand math rather than to memorize formulas.…

To integrate technology into mathematics teaching and learning effectively, teachers could create a technology-based learning environment that provides students with opportunities to experience the process of mathematical investigation. These opportunities range from exploring using mathematical ideas to making and testing conjectures, as well as…

For over a decade mathematics instructors have been using graphing calculators in courses ranging from developmental mathematics (Beginning and Intermediate Algebra) to Calculus and Statistics. One of the key functions that make them so powerful in the teaching and learning process is their ability to find curves of best fit. Instructors may use…

Using the problem of determining where a Flatland artist was standing, this article takes another look at perspective.

It has been widely acknowledged that there is some discrepancy in the teaching of vector calculus in mathematics courses and other applied fields. The curl of a vector field is one topic many students can calculate without understanding its significance. In this paper, we explain the origin of the curl after presenting the standard mathematical…

This article describes explorations using The Geometer's Sketchpad for algebra and calculus content.

In this research report we examine knowledge other than content knowledge needed by a mathematician in his first use of an inquiry-oriented curriculum for teaching an undergraduate course in differential equations. Collaboratively, the mathematician and two mathematics education researchers identified the challenges faced by the mathematician as…

In this study the effectiveness of an arrow diagram which can help students apply the Chain Rule was investigated. Different variations of this diagram were used as mnemonic devices for applying the Chain Rule. For the investigation two instruments were developed, diagnostic test and post-test. The diagnostic test was developed to determine the…

The transition from school to tertiary study of mathematics comes under increasing scrutiny in research. This article reports on some findings from a project analysing the transition from secondary to tertiary education in mathematics. One key variable in this transition is the teacher or lecturer. This article deals with a small part of the data…