Keywords

Calculus, high school, computer algebra system (cas), graphing calculator (gc), technology ranking system (trs), observation rubric, calculus tasks, procedural knowledge, conceptual understanding, calculus reform, traditional calculus, retention, independent t test

Abstract

Recently, there has been an increasing interest in high school mathematics education, especially in the teaching and learning of calculus. For example, studies conducted by Bressoud (2010); Judson and Nishimori (2005); Koh and Divaharan (2011); and St. Jarre (2008) all looked at how to improve the understanding of calculus students and what roles the educator must take to ensure that their students are successful. The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a significant difference between instruction using computer algebra system (CAS) compared to instruction using the graphing calculator in high school calculus on students’ conceptual and procedural understanding. This study explored and compared two different types of instruction based on the use of two different types of technology, CAS and graphing calculator. The total population for this study consisted of 333 students. There were 187 students classified as using the graphing calculator and 146 students classified as using CAS. The data for this study were collected from four Advanced Placement (AP) calculus AB courses from high schools in Florida. The study used observations and two sets of calculus tasks in order to gather data. The research questions for this study looked at comparing the grades of students categorized based on the type of instruction received during the learning of calculus. The statistical procedure that was used was a simple oneway analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results indicated that there was no significant difference between the two types of instruction on the students’ procedural knowledge, iii however, there was statistical significance on the students’ conceptual understanding in favor of the CAS students. The study introduces a framework on how to obtain information about the effects of different types of instruction on students’ understanding of calculus. The results of this study contribute in assisting teachers and future researchers on how to analyze student work in order to obtain information about the students’ conceptual and procedural understanding of first semester calculus.

Notes

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Graduation Date

2012

Semester

Fall

Advisor

Haciomeroglu, Erhan

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Education and Human Performance

Degree Program

Education; Mathematics Education

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

CFE0004514

URL

http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/CFE0004514

Language

English

Release Date

December 2012

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Doctoral Dissertation (Open Access)

Subjects

Dissertations, Academic -- Education, Education -- Dissertations, Academic

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