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Teaching Tips for AP Calculus
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| | These suggestions are taken from the Teacher's Guide -- AP Calculus.
- Use the calculator as a tool for discovery of concepts as well as for problem solving. Have students use the calculator to discover a particular principle concept on their own. The concept of limits lends itself to this approach through the use of the table feature on the TI-84. By constructing tables that show the values of a function near a particular number, students can develop a feeling for what a limit is. Encourage students to practice using the calculator to solve multiple-choice problems and free-response problems similar to those that they will see on the AP Exams.
- Allow students to work together. Allowing students to work together in class improves their ability to communicate their mathematics, enhances their understanding when they must explain mathematics to another student, and encourages them to be in class so they don't have to tackle assignments on their own.
- Use videos. Many videos that illustrate applications of calculus are available. Students can see applications of calculus to real-world situations.
- Start class with a problem of the day. Prepare it ahead of time on a transparency and have students begin working on it while other routine matters (attendance, etc.) are being taken care of. Use material that has recently been covered; this helps students ascertain whether they understand material before they are tested on it.
- Use a paper-and-pencil approach. Although students frequently "see" concepts more easily with technological tools, they often need to think through the concepts and applications slowly, step-by-step, to really achieve mastery.
- Revisit "learned" material. Include problems from earlier sections or prior topics on homework assignments.
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