The teaching of second level calculus at South African technikons : a didactical analysis of specific learning problems

Smith, Julien Clifford

dc.contributor.advisor	Van Rooy, M. P. (Martinus Paul), 1948-
dc.contributor.author	Smith, Julien Clifford
dc.date.accessioned	2015-01-23T04:24:16Z
dc.date.available	2015-01-23T04:24:16Z
dc.date.issued	1994-11
dc.identifier.citation	Smith, Julien Clifford (1994) The teaching of second level calculus at South African technikons : a didactical analysis of specific learning problems, University of South Africa, Pretoria, <http://hdl.handle.net/10500/16069>	en
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10500/16069
dc.description.abstract	This study was prompted by serious problems regarding specific teaching and learning problems in calculus at the technikon. The general aims were to identify and analyze particular teaching and learning problems relating to 2nd level engineering courses in calculus and to recommend improvements which could increase student performance in engineering calculus courses. An extensive study revealed world wide concern in calculus reform. The empirical research instruments consisted of structured questionnaires given to staff and students from nine technikons plus interviews. Five serious problem areas were identified: student ability in mathematics, content difficulty, background difficulties, timetable pressures and lecturer's presentation. The impact of training technology on calculus was investigated. Recommendations were that routine exercises can be done on computer with extra tutorial time for computer laboratory projects. Background recommendations suggested that schools give more time to trigonometry and coordinate geometry and that bridging courses at technikons for weaker students be developed.	en
dc.format.extent	1 online resource (ix, 254 leaves)	en
dc.language.iso	en
dc.subject	Trigonometrical identities	en
dc.subject	Function	en
dc.subject	Tutorials	en
dc.subject	Word problems	en
dc.subject	Teaching problems	en
dc.subject	Student problems	en
dc.subject	Learning problems	en
dc.subject	Time factor	en
dc.subject	Student questionnaire	en
dc.subject	Staff questionnaire	en
dc.subject	Computer questionnaire	en
dc.subject	Didactical analysis	en
dc.subject	Second level calculus	en
dc.subject.ddc	515.071168
dc.subject.lcsh	Calculus -- Study and teaching (Higher)	en
dc.title	The teaching of second level calculus at South African technikons : a didactical analysis of specific learning problems	en
dc.type	Dissertation
dc.description.department	Curriculum and Instructional Studies
dc.description.degree	M. Ed. (Didactics)