RiSE Colloquium – Monday, April 28 – Speaker, Vicki Sealey, Dept of Mathematics, WVA University

Maine Center for Research in STEM Education (RiSE Center)
University of Maine, Orono, Maine

Presents

Vicki Sealey

Department of Mathematics
West Virginia University

Lessons Learned from Research on Student Understanding of the Definite Integral

Abstract:  The Riemann sum and definite integral have numerous applications in the sciences and certainly are important to the mathematical community, in their own right.  Over the years, my goal has been to develop research-based curriculum materials for first-semester calculus courses that support students’ conceptual development of the definite integral, promote mathematical sophistication, and encourage students to see the connections in applications in the sciences.  In this talk, I will highlight several of the lessons learned over the past ten years of studying the teaching and learning of the Riemann sum and definite integral among first-semester calculus students.  Specifically, we will discuss several of the obstacles students have when developing an initial understanding of Riemann sums, definite integrals, and the connection to area under a curve.

Bio:  Dr. Vicki Sealey is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics at West Virginia University, where she coordinates the calculus sequence and conducts research in mathematics education.  She completed a bachelor’s degree in mathematics at West Virginia University, a master’s degree in applied mathematics at the University of Washington, and a PhD at Arizona State University where she studied undergraduate mathematics education.

Monday, April 28, 2014

3:00-4:00 pm

Arthur St. John Hill Auditorium

Room 165, Engineering and Science Research Building