Writing Assignments
for Calculus
Janet C. Woodland, University of Arkansas
Many students become competent with computations in calculus, and
some of those same students freely admit that they are not really sure of what
it is that they are doing, and why any of it works. The inclusion of writing assignments provides students the
opportunity and the structure to explore and refine their understanding, and
often provides the instructor with insight into recurring difficulties, as well
as surprises regarding which students truly do and do not have command of the
concepts at hand. I use several kinds
of writing assignments in my calculus classes:
- Our current
textbook offers “think about it” questions in the problem sets, so I begin
with those (somehow the fact that the questions are in the published
course material makes this type of assignment more legitimate to those who
have not been required to write in a math class before).
- Sometimes
in conjunction with a standard exercise, I will ask students to “write for
the reader.” I challenge them to
be descriptive and clearly explain the steps in their solution, the way
they wish the examples appeared in the textbook.
- This type
of assignment particularly lends itself to the “peer review,” in which I
have students turn in two copies of their work: I grade one, and a classmate grades the other. Student reaction to student writing is
another aspect of communicating mathematical ideas, and offers
observations other than my own, which can be valuable.
- Occasionally
I have students submit a solution by “e-mail only.” They are not allowed to use
mathematical symbols which do not appear on the keyboard. This forces them to choose between
“inventing” their own notation, or circumventing it by expressing
themselves mostly verbally. Either
way, it is an interesting exercise.
While
not every student responds enthusiastically to writing assignments in calculus,
most of them understand and respect the purposes of these activities, and some
of them truly appreciate the opportunity to express themselves.