This study was prompted by serious problems regarding specific teaching and learning problems in calculus at the technikon. The general aims were to identify and analyze particular teaching and learning problems relating to 2nd level engineering courses in calculus and to recommend improvements which could increase student performance in engineering calculus courses. An extensive study revealed world wide concern in calculus reform. The empirical research instruments consisted of structured questionnaires given to staff and students from nine technikons plus interviews. Five serious problem areas were identified: student ability in mathematics, content difficulty, background difficulties, timetable pressures and lecturer's presentation. The impact of training technology on calculus was investigated. Recommendations were that routine exercises can be done on computer with extra tutorial time for computer laboratory projects. Background recommendations suggested that schools give more time to trigonometry and coordinate geometry and that bridging courses at technikons for weaker students be developed. / Curriculum and Instructional Studies / M. Ed. (Didactics)

This study was prompted by serious problems regarding specific teaching and learning problems in calculus at the technikon. The general aims were to identify and analyze particular teaching and learning problems relating to 2nd level engineering courses in calculus and to recommend improvements which could increase student performance in engineering calculus courses. An extensive study revealed world wide concern in calculus reform. The empirical research instruments consisted of structured questionnaires given to staff and students from nine technikons plus interviews. Five serious problem areas were identified: student ability in mathematics, content difficulty, background difficulties, timetable pressures and lecturer's presentation. The impact of training technology on calculus was investigated. Recommendations were that routine exercises can be done on computer with extra tutorial time for computer laboratory projects. Background recommendations suggested that schools give more time to trigonometry and coordinate geometry and that bridging courses at technikons for weaker students be developed. / Curriculum and Instructional Studies / M. Ed. (Didactics)

Students’ performances in mathematics in an Open Distant Learning setting have not always been impressive. An exploratory study into the problem solving skills of the University of South Africa students in the Calculus module MAT112 is being conducted using past examinations scripts between 2006 and 2009. The study re-assesses the work done in the end-of-year Calculus examinations, by both looking at the distribution of marks awarded and assigning new scores based on an assessment rubric adapted for the problem at hand. Further assessment of qualitative dimensions that is important for problem solving in Calculus is developed from the data obtained from the assessment rubric. Using factor analysis, a hesitation factor, transfer-of-knowledge factor as well as ingenuity factor, are identified in successful Calculus problem solving. The study proposes two conceptual models; the first is to guide students in solving Calculus problems while the second one is meant to assist lecturers in the assessment of students of Calculus. / Science and Technology Education / M. Ed. (Technology Education)

Students’ performances in mathematics in an Open Distant Learning setting have not always been impressive. An exploratory study into the problem solving skills of the University of South Africa students in the Calculus module MAT112 is being conducted using past examinations scripts between 2006 and 2009. The study re-assesses the work done in the end-of-year Calculus examinations, by both looking at the distribution of marks awarded and assigning new scores based on an assessment rubric adapted for the problem at hand. Further assessment of qualitative dimensions that is important for problem solving in Calculus is developed from the data obtained from the assessment rubric. Using factor analysis, a hesitation factor, transfer-of-knowledge factor as well as ingenuity factor, are identified in successful Calculus problem solving. The study proposes two conceptual models; the first is to guide students in solving Calculus problems while the second one is meant to assist lecturers in the assessment of students of Calculus. / Science and Technology Education / M. Ed. (Technology Education)