Using covarient harmonic oscillator formalism as an illustrative example, a method is proposed for illustrating the difference between the Poincare (inhomogeneous Lorentz) and homogeneous Lorentz groups. (BT)

Considers the results of a study supported by the American Educational Research Association (AERA) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) that focuses on the impact of different environments on students' abilities to learn calculus. (DDR)

Reports on part of a study that was conducted with individual students (n=5) and five groups of students who worked together in the first course of experimental calculus classes. The goal of the study was to discover how the concept of inverse function can be learned. (26 references) (DDR)

Describes a research study that determined that calculus educators are slow to use technologies in instruction because they perceive a lack of clarity regarding the use of technology, technology is rapidly changing, and using technology requires too much time and effort. (DDR)

Develops covariational reasoning and proposes a framework for describing mental actions when interpreting and representing dynamic function events. Investigates calculus students' ability to reason about covarying quantities in dynamic situations. Suggests that curriculum and instruction should emphasize moving students to a coordinated image of…

Uses Muybridge's sequence of photos of a moving cat to examine how one might picture changes in the cat's velocity. Classroom implications include building on personally enacted physical experience and recognizing uncertainty as fundamental. Concludes that carefully examined case examples are essential in teaching students to learn and reason…

Presents activities designed to introduce a mathematical idea having several applications for determining the optimal location for a radio station's transmitter and the best locations for a fire station. Includes student worksheets and solutions. (KHR)

Describes Project Jacobean, which offers students an opportunity to investigate differential calculus appearing in the study of literature. Presents procedures for student activities in which they experience the rigor of deducing conclusions and realize that viewing their work critically can be constructive. Introduces the essence of scholarly…

Reports on a long-term collaborative effort between Northeastern University and inner-city high schools in Boston which resulted in the wide-spread introduction of reform classes in schools previously lacking calculus. (Author/MM)

Compares the efficiency of calculus classes and evaluates two kinds of classes: traditional and others that use computational methods in teaching. Applies quantitative evaluation methods using two operational research tools, multicriteria decision aid methods (mainly using the MACBETH approach) and data development analysis. (Author/YDS)

Discusses one way of addressing the difficulty of mastering a large number of concepts through the use of ConcepTests; that is, multiple choice questions given in a lecture that test understanding as opposed to calculation. Investigates various types of ConcepTests and the material they can cover. (Author/KHR)

This article describes the activities of the Continental Mathematics League, which offers a series of meets for children in grades 3 though 9. In addition, a Calculus League and a Computer Contest are offered. The league allows schools to participate by mail so that rural schools can participate. (CR)

College students (N=39) completed five parts of a modified version of Rusbult and Farrell's commitment questionnaire. Responses were correlated with the students' final course grade in calculus, grade point average, and grade in humanities. Results showed that the investment model significantly predicted calculus grade and grade point average.…

A Holt, Michigan, high school's recent shift toward conceptual understanding and demonstrated performance inspired one math teacher to develop a panel performance-assessment process. For their midsemester and semester exams, students in algebra II and precalculus discuss before a panel of judges the solutions to complex problems. Panel assessment…

Discusses the problem-solving heuristics of examining for special cases, utilizing dimensions to make sense of proposed solutions, and symmetry. Presents examples to illustrate the use of one or combinations of these heuristics. (MDH)