Atypical AP Calculus Summer Work | Reflections of a Second-career ...

Many AP teachers assign students summer work to complete prior to the start of the new school year. ?Most AP Calculus teachers assign problem sets to reinforce prerequisite knowledge such as the following A.P. Calculus Summer Packet.

For the upcoming school year, rather than assign a similar set of problems, I elected to assign my students a set of readings and writings. ?These assignments are meant to address the shortcomings I believe exist in most school district?s mathematics curriculum where learning is reduced to mimicking a teacher?s approach to ?solving? problems. ?Few students actually solve problems in the traditional sense, they simply follow a semi-scripted procedure they observed their teacher perform in class, which works well for problems that fit the script. ?However, any problem that goes off-script creates confusion for many students.

If anyone has used a similar approach for their students, please let me know. ?I am also interested in your thoughts on these assignments.

Students registered for AP Calculus AB are required to complete the following summer work prior to the first day of the new school year. ?Each assignment is due on the first day of school. ?Those students who attended the AP Calculus AB/BC Boot Camp may recognize some of the following items. ?If you have any questions, please email me. Summer Work Assignments: Review each of the following documents.??You will be expected to be familiar with the content in each of these documents. Answer the question(s) relating to each reading assignment per the directions below or on the assignment?s task sheet. College Board?s AP Calculus Course Description?Task Sheet #1 (250-500 words) Why does the College Board emphasize conceptual understanding (the understanding of concepts coupled with the ability to make connections between, and among, other concepts, to communicate them effectively, and to utilize them in problem solving) in AP Calculus so much, even of prerequisite subjects and topics, when prior math classes emphasized procedural fluency (the ability to master procedural skills needed to perform mathematical computations and procedures)? How might the emphasis on conceptual understanding benefit your success in this course, preparation for college, career achievement, and development as a lifelong learner? What challenges does this emphasis present to you as a student? How to Study Math?(250-500 words) How do you typically study for math class? ?Do you study before quizzes, tests, and/or finals? ?If so, how much time typically do you spend? How much time per school night do you spend studying for math, not including doing homework? ?Same question but including doing homework? Which of these tips do you already follow when you take a mathematics course? ?How are they helpful? Are there any of these tips that you have not used before that might help you in AP Calculus? ?Why do you think so? Are there any tips that are not mentioned that you believe are helpful? ?How are they helpful? NRC Math Proficiency Standards?Task Sheet #2 (250-500 words) What were your experiences in your math classes (past & present) along each of the strands? Were your experiences positive? ?Why or why not? Could you benefit from keeping these different dimensions of mathematical proficiency in mind as you continue with your education? What parts could be challenging? How could we address your challenges in the class? NCTM Process Standards?(250-500 words) In your own words, explain each of the NCTM?s process standards for mathematics. How familiar are you with each of the process standards? Which of the process standards have you applied / used in prior math classes? Which of these did you find easiest to use? ?Why? Which of these did you find hardest to use? ?Why? Algebra and Trigonometry Review?(250-500 words) Which concept(s) in algebra, if any, are easiest for you? ?Why? are most challenging for you? ?Why? do you think you need to re-learn? ?Why? Which concept(s) in trigonometry, if any, are easiest for you? ?Why? are most challenging for you? ?Why? do you think you need to re-learn?? Why? All assignment submissions must: 1) respond to the prompts; 2)?be well-written; 3)?adhere to the word count requirement; 4) use one-inch margins, 12-point Times New Roman font, and double line spacing; 5)?include the assignment name and your name in a header as well as the submission date and page number in a footer on each page; and 6) be?consolidated into one stapled document, in the order below, with a title page labeled ?AP Calculus AB Summer Work? as well as include your name and submission date. Papers may be double-sided. ?Unless otherwise specified, it is acceptable to write your responses to an assignment as a list of questions and their answers. ?Use section headings, as needed, to separate areas of focus in your writing.

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Secondary math teacher teaching math intervention, algebra 1 and AP Calculus AB. I spent 25 years in high tech in engineering, marketing, sales and business development roles in the satellite communications, GPS, semiconductor, and wireless industries. I am awed by the potential in our nation's youth and I hope to instill in them the passion to improve our world at local, state, national, and global levels.

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