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Investigating College Instructors’ Methods Of Differentiation And Derivatives In Calculus Classes, Wedad Mubaraki
Investigating College Instructors’ Methods Of Differentiation And Derivatives In Calculus Classes, Wedad Mubaraki
Boise State University Theses and Dissertations
This case study investigates three college instructors’ instructional approaches and their mathematical discourses in the context of calculus (e.g., concepts of limit and derivatives). The analyses focus on ways in which instructors communicate limit and derivative concepts that are observed in the classrooms, using Sfard’s discursive framework (a communicational approach). In particular, instructors’ use of mathematical words while introducing derivative and limit concepts are analyzed, as well as instructors’ ways of using visual mediators such as symbols, numbers, expressions, and graphs are investigated. The findings of the study indicate instructors’ different instructional approaches and differences in their mathematics discourses while …
Discovering The Derivative Can Be "Invigorating:" Mark's Journey To Understanding Instantaneous Velocity, Charity Ann Gardner Hyer
Discovering The Derivative Can Be "Invigorating:" Mark's Journey To Understanding Instantaneous Velocity, Charity Ann Gardner Hyer
Theses and Dissertations
This is a case study using qualitative methods to analyze how a first semester calculus student named Mark makes sense of the derivative and the role of the classroom practice in his understanding. Mark is a bright yet fairly average student who successfully makes sense of the derivative and retains his knowledge and understanding. The study takes place within a collaborative, student-centered, task-based classroom where the students are given opportunity to explore mathematical ideas such as rate of change and accumulation. Mark's sense making of the derivative is analyzed in light of his use of physics, Mark as a visual …