This paper explores Mechanical Engineering students' conceptions of and preferences for conceptions of the derivative, and their views on mathematics. Data comes from pre-, post- and delayed post-tests, a preference test, interviews with students and an analysis of calculus courses. Data from Mathematics students is used to make comparisons with…

One of the main problems in undergraduate research in pure mathematics is that of determining a problem that is, at once, interesting to and capable of solution by a student who has completed only the calculus sequence. It is also desirable that the problem should present something new, since novelty and originality greatly increase the enthusiasm…

Based on a sequence of number pairs, a recent paper (Mauch, E. and Shi, Y., 2005, Using a sequence of number pairs as an example in teaching mathematics, "Mathematics and Computer Education," 39(3), 198-205) presented some interesting examples that can be used in teaching high school and college mathematics classes such as algebra, geometry,…

The author of this paper submits that a mathematics student needs to learn to conjecture and prove or disprove said conjecture. Ergo, the purpose of the paper is to submit the thesis that learning requires doing; only through inquiry is learning achieved, and hence this paper proposes a programme of use of a modified Moore method in a Bridge to…

This project was designed to address gender issues in mathematics education. The author's findings led her to conclude that students construct their own understanding and knowledge as a result of activities in the classroom. Constructivism, a theory of knowledge based on the idea that people construct their own realities by interacting with the…

How instructional television can supplement the high school math curriculum. (Author)

Reported are the results of an experiment designed to test the effectiveness of computer use by junior college students in a calculus class. The primary objective involved the replacing of pencil and paper computations by a computer program output. The topical areas of investigation were limits, extrema, functional evaluation, and integration.…

A computer-based instructional system for teaching the notion of mathematical proof is described. The system is capable of handling formalizations of the full predicate calculus with identity and, with minor work, definite description. Designed as an instructional device, the program is also the basis for a number of research projects involving…

This brief article summarizes the major contributions of several British mathematicians to the development of the calculus. (SD)

Arithmetic combinations of functions and their arguments are discussed, and resulting properties are related to first-year calculus topics. (MP)

Described is a sequence of calculus courses utilizing the computer to enhance concepts and ideas in calculus. (JLH)

A quasi-experimental, factorial design was employed to determine the interactive effect of motivation, math preparation, and instructional method on achievement in a calculus course taught by two methods; personalized system of instruction (PSI) and the conventional method. (Author/STS)

Directions are given for using a gravity protractor in constructing an instrument for finding derivatives. (DT)

Developing the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) Advanced 2008 Assessment Frameworks was a collaborative venture involving mathematics and physics experts from around the world. The document contains two frameworks for implementing TIMSS Advanced 2008--one for advanced mathematics and one for physics. It also contains…

The development of the derivative because of being part of calculus in permanent dialectic, demands on one part an analytical, deductive study and on another an application of rochrematic methods, sources of resources, within calculus of derivative which allows to dialectically confront knowledge in its different phases and to test the results.…