Encouraging Example Generation: A Teaching Experiment in First-Semester Calculus. Issue 2 (7th February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wagner, Elaine Rumsey; Orme, Susan Marla; Turner, Heidi Jean; Yopp, David
• Is Part Of: PRIMUS. Volume 27:Issue 2(2017)
• Page Start: 212
• Page End: 234
• Publication Date: 2017-02-07
• Subjects: Example generation -- teaching experiment -- student views -- mathematical inquiry -- first-semester calculus -- examples; Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- Periodicals; 510.711
• DOI: 10.1080/10511970.2016.1194340
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1051-1970

Abstract

Abstract: Mathematicians use example generation to test and verify mathematical ideas; however, the processes through which undergraduates learn to productively generate examples are not well understood. We engaged calculus students in a teaching experiment designed to develop skills in productively generating examples to learn novel concepts. This article presents three student case studies. These case studies are representative of our findings and serve to summarize the activities we found useful. They also serve as examples of various student experiences during the teaching experiment. One student expressed a continued negative view to using example generation. Two increased in skills and experience and expressed positive changes in views.