NON-MATHEMATICS STUDENTS’ REASONING IN NON-ROUTINE CALCULUS TASKS

Year 2014, Volume: 1 , 124 - 134, 01.09.2014

Ljerka Jukić Matıć

Abstract

This paper
investigates reasoning of first year non-mathematics students in non-routine
calculus tasks. The students in this study were accustomed to imitative reasoning during
their schooling in primary and secondary education. In order to
move from imitative reasoning toward more creative reasoning, the non-routine
tasks were implemented as the part of the calculus course. Using qualitative
strategy in a form of interview, we examined reasoning of six students in the
middle of the calculus course and at the end of the course. Analyzed data
showed that creative reasoning develops slowly even when students are exposed
to the non-routine tasks. Also, we have found several negative met-befores and
met-afters affecting students’ knowledge and interfering with the reasoning
process.

Keywords

Calculus, reasoning, non-mathematics students

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