Describes the use of time-lapse photographs of a running cat as a model to investigate the concepts of function and derivative in a college calculus course. Discusses student difficulties and implications for teachers. (MKR)

Described is an example of a piecewise defined function developed naturally as a consequence of the solution to the given problem statement, thereby allowing calculus students the uncommon opportunity to generate such an otherwise, seemingly contrived function. (JJK)

Several mathematicians have expressed their criticism of calculus instruction and some have developed innovations. This paper reviews the criticism and innovations and then questions the approach and the emphasis of the reformers. (Contains 34 references.) (Author)

In standard mathematical notation it is common to have a given symbol take on different meanings in different settings. Shares anecdotes of how this symbolic double entendre causes difficulties for students. Suggests ways in which instructors can clarify these ambiguities to make mathematics more understandable to students. (Author/ASK)

Genre analysis is a form of discourse analysis that can provide useful and sometimes surprising new perspectives on understanding teaching and learning. Uses two examples to illustrate the application of genre analysis in mathematics education. (Contains 23 references.) (ASK)

Reports on ongoing developmental research efforts to adapt the instructional design perspective of Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) to learning and teaching of collegiate mathematics using differential equations as a specific case. Focuses on the RME design heuristic of guided reinvention as a means to locate the starting point for an…

Describes how the meaning of a tool was constructed by students and their teacher, and how students used the tool to construct mathematical meaning out of particular tasks through a qualitative classroom-based study. Suggests that the nature of the mathematical tasks and the role, knowledge, and beliefs of the teacher influenced the emergence of…

Considers a trio of students who collaboratively discover a generalization while doing their calculus homework. Describes the argument as a play which portrays a relatively natural situation cleansed from unrefined mathematical language, errors, and tangential discussions unrelated to the mathematics of the situation. (ASK)

Presents problems to find the integrals of logarithmic and inverse trigonometric functions early in the calculus sequence by using the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus and the concept of area, and without the use of integration by parts. (Author/ASK)

Discusses a precalculus project in which students create a model United Nations to present and discuss the long-term prognosis for individual countries given data on population growth and food production. Students compare exponential and linear functions to determine whether starvation will occur and prepare oral and written presentations of their…

Examines the value of concept maps as instruments for assessment of conceptual understanding, using the maps to compare the knowledge of function that experts and two groups of students (N=28)--traditional and nontraditional--enrolled in university calculus classes hold. Discusses the differences between the student and expert groups as well as…

Presents data obtained from an 11-year study of the three phases of movement from a standard approach to a reform approach in the first year calculus sequence for mathematics and science majors. (Author/ASK)

Assesses the ability of university students enrolled in an introductory calculus course to solve related-rates problems set in geometric contexts. Indicates that overall performance on the geometric related-rates problems was poor and the poorest performance was on steps linked to conceptual understanding. (Contains 34 references.) (Author/ASK)

Criticizes the method of using calculators for the purpose of selecting candidates for L, for the limit value of a function. Suggests an alternative: a working formula for calculating the limit value L of a real function in terms of infinitesimals. (Author/ASK)

Investigates the impact of the TI-89 hand-held Computer Algebra System (CAS) on student achievement in a first year college core calculus course. Analyzes data from an experimental study conducted at the United States Military Academy at West Point from 1998-2000. Results indicate that the TI-89 hand-held CAS experimental group attained a higher…