Explores a method of teaching called Peer Instruction. Describes how Peer Instruction was implemented in physics and summarizes the results. Discusses the way in which Peer Instruction was modified to be used in an introductory single variable calculus course. (Author/ASK)

Studies the later course grades of students enrolled in freshman calculus taught using traditional texts through 1994-95 and the Harvard method which was fully adopted starting in 1995-96. Reports that, in some cases, the results were indistinguishable but some statistically significant patterns were found. (Author/ASK)

Describes a 'Moore Method' course whose purpose is to teach students to create and present in class mathematically correct proofs of theorems. Discusses grading, class discussions, ways to help students, and the extent to which to encourage cooperative learning. (Author/ASK)

Shares a series of problems designed to provide students with opportunities to develop an understanding of applications of the definite integral. Discourages Template solutions, solutions in which students mimic a rehearsed strategy without understanding as the variety of problems helps prevent the construction of a template. (Author/ASK)

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)

Examines the performance of two groups of students in traditionally-taught second semester calculus: students who took reform first semester calculus and students who took traditionally-taught first semester calculus. Identifies and explores the issues that reform students faced as they transitioned into traditionally-taught second semester…

Discusses experiences teaching mathematics courses in a lecture-free, discussion-based seminar format at all levels of the traditional undergraduate mathematics curriculum. Presents methods for motivating, instructing, and supporting student efforts toward independent reading of mathematical text. Provides a non-scientific assessment of the…

Investigates the effects of instructional environment on students' conceptual understanding and procedural knowledge of calculus. Uses multiple achievement measures to determine the degree to which students from different instructional environments had mastered the concepts and procedures inherent to first semester calculus. Indicates no…

Present a study conducted at The Ohio State University and compares students from the calculus-reform course sequence Calculus and Mathematica with traditional students in two areas: (1) conceptual and procedural understanding of calculus; and (2) achievement in calculus-dependent courses. Investigates student achievement in calculus-dependent…

Discusses ways in which a mathematical pedagogy seminar can be an enlightening, engaging, and sometimes entertaining experience through which to bring together departmental colleagues and their students. Suggests logistics for such a seminar, 25 topics, and readings. Contains 64 references. (Author/ASK)

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)

Discusses three different writing assignments used in calculus courses. The assignments represent personal, informational, and blended purposes. (Author/MM)

Describes a two-semester numerical methods course that serves as a research experience for undergraduate students without requiring external funding or the modification of current curriculum. Uses an engineering problem to introduce students to constrained optimization via a variation of the traditional isoperimetric problem of finding the curve…

Describes the behavior of five calculus professors and their students based on observations of calculus classes. Results showed that the dominant mode of instruction was lecture and students were usually not actively engaged in doing mathematics. (14 references) (Author/MKR)

Gives a general description of reformed calculus efforts and describes experiences with two reformed calculus programs together with traditional calculus. Also provides comparisons between these three programs using teaching evaluations and student journals. (Author/MKR)