Re: [MATHEDCC] Calculus Review Chapter

Abraham S. Mantell (mantell@polar.sunynassau.edu)
Mon, 29 Mar 1999 20:28:53 -0500 (EST)

We at Nassau Community College (Long Island, NY) use the "Harvard" text.
Chapter 1 has 12 sections which reviews precalculus. I used to cover all
12 sections as essential review requiring about 4-5 weeks!! As of about 2
years ago, I no longer am so thorough...I assign all 50 problems of the
chapter 1 review, and will go over - in great detail and elabration - any
problem requested. This takes about 1.5-2 weeks. Then, like you Jodi,
review on an "as needed" basis. This is the only way I can complete the
syllabus.

Yes, I do have a large number of "casualties"...but those are the ones
who should have taken (or retaken) precalculus or algebra & trig.!!!
Better they realize it now, rather than go into Calculus II and other
Calculus I dependent courses unprepared. For the majority who will not
"need" calculus for subsequent courses - OH WELL!!! I wonder how they got
this far!! (I have a few ideas though)...

Abe Mantell

mantell@sunynassau.edu

> What part, if any, of chapter one in Calculus books do you cover? This
> question has always caused me a great deal ofhought. I know people that spend
> a month on this chapter, I have ususally spent the first week on it. My
> current train of thought is to not spend anytime on this chapter and then do
> little 'mini' algebra reviews as needed. I have a hard time wanting to spend
> anytime on it because students are suppose to be ready for calculus. What
> good does it do the student that is ready to spend any time on this chapter?
> Just some thoughts I am mulling over. Any words of wisdom from all of you
> experienced Calc teachers?
>
> Jodi Cotten
> Jamestown Community College
> Cattaraugus Campus
> Olean, New York
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