A Visually-Enhanced Approach to Multivariate Calculus Facilitated by a Computer Algebra System

Authors

Belarmino Gonzalez, Florida International UniversityFollow

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Major/Program

Curriculum and Instruction

First Advisor's Name

Maria L. Fernandez

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee chair

Second Advisor's Name

Haiying Long

Second Advisor's Committee Title

committee member

Third Advisor's Name

Tedi Draghici

Third Advisor's Committee Title

committee member

Fourth Advisor's Name

Mandayam Thirunarayanan

Fourth Advisor's Committee Title

committee member

Keywords

multivariate calculus, computer algebra system, visually-enhanced approach

Date of Defense

10-29-2019

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of a visually-enhanced approached to the teaching of selected multivariate calculus concepts on students’ mathematical understanding and visualization. The sample size consisted of 65 undergraduate students from Miami Dade College, a large Hispanic Serving Institution in the Southeast. A pretest – posttest, nonequivalent group design was used. CAS dynamic worksheets containing visualizations and geometric representations were created using a computer algebra system and embedded as part of the lecture in the experimental group. Instructor-developed instruments were used to measure students’ prerequisite knowledge for multivariate calculus, and students’ mathematical understanding of selected concepts. Furthermore, Yoon (2011)’s Revised PSVT: R was used to measure students’ spatial ability. Results from the statistical tests supported the hypothesis that enhancing the visual/geometric aspects of selected multivariate calculus concepts have a positive effect on students’ mathematical understanding and spatial ability.

Identifier

FIDC008874

Recommended Citation

Gonzalez, Belarmino, "A Visually-Enhanced Approach to Multivariate Calculus Facilitated by a Computer Algebra System" (2019). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 4288.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/4288