Teaching Innovations for Related Rates Problems in First Semester Calculus

Document Type

Presentation Abstract

Presentation Date

2-9-2006

Abstract

Related rates problems in first semester calculus are a source of difficulty for many students. These problems require students to be able to visualize the problem situation, attend to the nature of the changing quantities, reconceptualize the variables in a geometric formula as functions of time, and relate these functions either parametrically or through function composition. Being able to successfully solve a related rates problem by engaging in the problem solving behaviors described above relies on the students' ability to engage in transformational/covariational reasoning. I have developed a sequence of teaching activities which employs a computer program designed to foster the students' exploration of related rates problems in a covariational context. I am investigating the impact of these activities on students' abilities to solve related rates problems.

Additional Details

Thursday, 9 February 2006
4:10 p.m. in Math 109

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