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How formal should calculus in the school mathematics curriculum be: Reflections arising from an error in a calculus examination question
Citation
Toh, T. L., Toh, P. C., Tay, E. G., Teo, K. M., & Lee, H. (2023). How formal should calculus in the school mathematics curriculum be: Reflections arising from an error in a calculus examination question. The Mathematician Educator, 4(1), 66-77. https://ame.org.sg/2023/06/15/tme2023-vol-4-no-1-pp-66-77
Abstract
This paper examines the calculus curriculum in the current Singapore secondary and pre-university levels. Two concepts, (1) increasing and decreasing functions and their derivatives, and (2) the second derivative test for the nature of stationary points, are elaborated. An example of an incorrect calculus item in a national examination is brought up in relation to conditional reasoning involving calculus concepts. We reckon that the current emphasis on procedural knowledge in calculus is useful. However, we argue that formal conditional reasoning should not be introduced prematurely for school students.
Date Issued
2023
Publisher
Association of Mathematics Educators
Journal
The Mathematician Educator