Promoting Active Learning and Collaboration in Calculus with the Investigative Classroom

Southern Polytechnic State University, Marietta GA

Investigators

Abstract

Mathematical Sciences (21). An "investigative classroom" is being established to give students writing space, personal access to Internet connected computers, space for collaborative work, and visual access to a SMART Board. The approach blends active learning, collaborative work among students, instructor led electronic demonstrations, and a minimal amount of lecturing. Instead learning activities are being implemented that exploit a variety of applications-oriented materials developed for calculus I and II over the last eight years under the aegis of NSF and other institutions. Collaborative, investigative exercises that start in class are used to generate longer-term group projects; and a computer algebra system, Maple, and the TI-89 calculator are used as aids to visualization and exploration.