An Investigation Into Problem Solving in the Calculus II Classroom

Author: Joseph    Godinez

Major: Mathematics

Graduation Year: 2024

Thesis Advisor: Julie Dellamattera

Description of Publication: The importance of tertiary education has grown to new heights, especially in the United States. A critical component of successful modern professionals remains the ability to employ problem-solving strategies and techniques. This study seeks to investigate initial problem-solving strategies employed by post-secondary students enrolled in Calculus II when presented with problems common to integral calculus. In- person pair-wise interviews were conducted asking six participants to sort integrals into categories based on the technique they would use to solve it. Participant responses were analyzed using a concept image composed of general and topic-specific symbolic forms, related conceptual images and concept definitions, and associated cognitive resources. Results indicate participants successfully sort by technique initially, suggesting technique choice is not a significant cause of error. Though a single cause of error cannot be established from this investigation, remarks from participants allude to other potential sources, including algebraic and arithmetic operations.

Location of Publication:

URL to Thesis: https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/honors/900/