Nonstandard Analysis gives an alternative approach to teaching elementary calculus. This paper hopes to communicate to the reader the ideas of this recent development in mathematics and its implications in teaching undergraduate students. The development of the approach is first briefly traced. Then a method of constructing on ordered field…

The maximal rectangle idea is used to illustrate ways to ease students into the frame of mind required for problem solving in calculus. (MNS)

Discusses personal experiences in using microcomputers to teach differential equations and calculus, including programs written for and activities in a year-long calculus sequence called Calculus and Computers. Suggests that computers and their graphics capabilities be used to provide a mathematical environment in which students can interact and…

Described are computer program packages requiring little or no knowledge of computer programing for college algebra, calculus, and abstract algebra. Widely available computer algebra systems are listed. (MNS)

The question of how a mathematics student at university-level makes sense of a new mathematical sign, presented to her or him in the form of a definition, is a fundamental problem in mathematics education. Using an analogy with Vygotsky's theory (1986, 1994) of how a child learns a new word, I argue that a learner uses a new mathematical sign both…

Ralston proposes that the decrease in the importance of calculus in the world of mathematics is accelerating and the world of applied mathematics is changing rapidly. He briefly presents arguments for discrete mathematics. Then follow reactions from McLane, Wagner, Hilton, Woodriff, Kleitman, and Lax, and a response by Ralston. (MNS)

This article was written in part to celebrate the anniversaries of landmark mathematical works by Newton and Descartes. It's other purpose is to dispel some myths about Sir Isaac Newton and to encourage readers to read Newton's works. (PK)

Following a short history of calculus reform efforts, this article discusses curriculum development and research on student learning with respect to the concepts of function, limits and continuity, the derivative, and the integral; the availability and influence of new technologies on curriculum development; the consideration of the role of the…

Under the assumption that the current perplexing state of calculus instruction is a result of the presuppositions inherent within conventional teaching practices, the author examines why calculus is taught the way it is, indicates unprofitable practices that result from the way calculus is taught, and recommends possible ameliorative actions. (JJK)

In July 1982, a conference was held at Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts, to discuss the need for more discrete mathematics in the first two years of the core undergraduate mathematics curriculum. This paper reviews the recommendations that were made during the conference, the progress that has been made in the implementation of…

Offers an approach to the understanding and to the teaching of the fundamental theorem of calculus. Stresses teaching the relation between a function and its derivative and the functions themselves. (YP)

Discusses, analyzes, and provides anecdotes about the calculus reform movement, in general, and the experimental, undergraduate calculus classes at Duke University, in particular. (JJK)

This paper compliments two recent articles by the author in this journal concerning solving the forced harmonic oscillator equation when the forcing is periodic. The idea is to replace the forcing function by its Fourier series and solve the differential equation term-by-term. Herein the convergence of such series solutions is investigated when…

Discusses two answers to the question of why we teach calculus in the college mathematics curriculum: (1) calculus is used in real mathematical applications across a variety of disciplines; and (2) the historical development of calculus exposes students to the foundation of the scientific world view. (MDH)

Some concrete examples of the use of historical materials in developing certain topics from precalculus and calculus are presented. Ideas which can be introduced with a reformulated curriculum are discussed in five areas: algorithms, combinatorics, logarithms, trigonometry, and mathematical models. (MNS)