Strategies for Understanding Calculus Concepts

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Eyesys
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Concepts Tips
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around strategies for understanding calculus concepts, particularly in the context of accelerated courses. Participants share their experiences and concerns regarding the pace of learning and the effectiveness of different teaching methods.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in understanding calculus concepts and feels that different examples might aid comprehension.
  • Another participant warns against attempting to complete a year's worth of calculus in a short time frame, suggesting that thorough preparation is necessary.
  • A participant shares their experience with short-term classes and their desire to expedite their education in math, physics, or engineering.
  • Concerns are raised about the effectiveness of fast-paced classes for learning calculus, with a suggestion that taking time to understand the material is more beneficial.
  • One participant emphasizes that rushing through calculus could lead to a lack of understanding that may impact future coursework.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express concern about the challenges of fast-paced calculus courses, with some advocating for a more measured approach to learning. There is no consensus on the best strategy, as opinions vary on the effectiveness of accelerated learning.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of understanding calculus thoroughly, especially for future studies in math, physics, or engineering. There are varying opinions on the appropriateness of accelerated courses based on individual preparedness.

Eyesys
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
Hello,
I'm taking cal I and II this summer as a special five week course each. I need a good way to understand the concepts of calculus. It seemed like in college algebra the examples that were done in class were fine, i could do those with no problem, but once I got home and looked at the homework, i realized the homework looked totally different than the examples from class (which were an exact replica of the sample problems in the book).
I always felt like if the instructor used different examples other than the ones already in the book, i'd be able to understand it better. But now I really just think that I'm not understanding the concepts very well (I kind of picked up on this in Trig). Does anyone have any "magic spells" for understanding the concepts? I don't want to be a robot, I can do without memorizing, I want to be able to understand it. And cal I and II will be moving along very swiftly (five week courses) and I need all the help I can get. Thanks guys.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Well, I have to say that I strongly recommend that you don't attempt a year's worth of calculus classes in ten weeks unless you are phenomenally prepared. I think it's a pretty awful idea, myself.

The "magic spells" are the same as in any other class: read the book, talk to the professor about things you don't get, and work through lots of problems.

- Warren
 
Yeah, I took trig in an 8 week class, and at the school that I attend, they offer all kinds of short classes such as 5 weeks, 6 weeks, 8 weeks and the traditional 16 weeks. I thought that if I didn't do the 5 and 5 with cal I and II, that I would do the 8 week cal I.
I just wanted to get calculus over with as soon as possible. Anyhoo, thanks for ur response.
 
I just feel like I'm really behind, and if I want to go into math, physics or engineering, then i feel like I need to make up time to get there, as obviously I'll be starting from the beginning. I've been in school for a while, basically general classes, kind of an off and on again type thing. I just think I have a lot of ground to make up for, hence cal I and II in the 5 week sessions.
thanks
 
The way to catch up is not to take extremely fast-paced classes which you are not prepared to take! That's almost a recipe for disaster.

Except for financial concerns, it doesn't really matter if you take 3 years or 5 years to get your degree -- and the national average has constantly been creeping towards five.

Take the courses at the pace you need to learn them thoroughly. Calculus, in particular, will be used in virtually every class you'll ever take in the rest of a degree in math, physics or engineering -- so it will greatly benefit you to understand it thoroughly. Rushing through it just to "get it over with" might well be a major mistake.

- Warren
 
cool, thanks!
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Have you ever used "symbolic logic" to help you learn calculus?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Undergrad Advice toward Mastering Challenging Vector Calc Problems
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad Fixing My Calculus Mistake: Need Help for Midterm Review | No Quotation Marks
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
Graduate Helpful Resources for Calc. Analysis
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Calculus What Is the Best Calculus Book for Self-Learners?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
12K
High School Using multiple calculus books at the same time......
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Undergrad A rigorous definition of a limit and advanced calculus
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
Undergrad Proving Theorem 1 in Spivak's Calculus: Tips & Tricks
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Intro Physics What Book Helps Understand Electromagnetism and Quantum Physics Concepts?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
Undergrad Do I need a new book? (Using Calculus: The elements by Comenetz)
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K