Document Type
Honors Thesis
Major
Mathematics
Advisor(s)
Julie DellaMattera
Committee Members
Paula Drewniany, Justin Dimmel, Timothy Boester, Karen Pelletreau
Graduation Year
May 2024
Publication Date
Spring 5-2024
Abstract
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.
Recommended Citation
Godinez, Joseph, "An Investigation Into Problem Solving in the Calculus III Classroom" (2024). Honors College. 900.
https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/honors/900