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Full-Text Articles in Other Mathematics
Differential Calculus: From Practice To Theory, Eugene Boman, Robert Rogers
Differential Calculus: From Practice To Theory, Eugene Boman, Robert Rogers
Milne Open Textbooks
Differential Calculus: From Practice to Theory covers all of the topics in a typical first course in differential calculus. Initially it focuses on using calculus as a problem solving tool (in conjunction with analytic geometry and trigonometry) by exploiting an informal understanding of differentials (infinitesimals). As much as possible large, interesting, and important historical problems (the motion of falling bodies and trajectories, the shape of hanging chains, the Witch of Agnesi) are used to develop key ideas. Only after skill with the computational tools of calculus has been developed is the question of rigor seriously broached. At that point, the …
Introductory Calculus: Through The Lenses Of Covariation And Approximation, Caleb Huber
Introductory Calculus: Through The Lenses Of Covariation And Approximation, Caleb Huber
Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects
Over the course of a year, I investigated reformative approaches to the teaching of calculus. My research revealed the substantial findings of two educators, Michael Oehrtman and Pat Thompson, and inspired me to design a course based upon two key ideas, covariation and approximation metaphors. Over a period of six weeks, I taught a course tailored around these ideas and documented student responses to both classroom activities and quizzes. Responses were organized intonarratives, covariation, rates of change, limits, and delta notation. Covariation with respect to rates of change was found to be incredibly complex, and students would often see it …