Theory and Practice on Learning Calculus

Abstract

Clinical interviews conducted with engineering students revealed their learning strategies. Strategy preferences can characterize different learning styles: a style named practical– theoretical defines a movement from practice to theory; a theoretical-practical style indicates a movement in the opposite direction, from theory to practice. Mathematics learning styles of alculus students are supported by a larger previous study conducted using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Solving exercises is a key element of these students’ ways of learning calculus. Sometimes theory is the starting point to further theoretical discussion and sometimes the arrival point, used in order to understand theory. Results point to the need to rethink mathematics education at higher levels considering the role of exercise solving in calculus teaching and learning. Keywords: Strategies and Styles of Learning Mathematics. Teaching Calculus. Exercise solving.