When it comes to hand calculations, how do C&M students compare?
Hand calculations are a part of all C&M courses - so much so that the 1995 Park-Traverse study concluded that C&M calculus students can do hand calculations (derivatives, integrals etc.) on a par with students in corresponding standard math courses. The same study also concluded that C&M students have a stronger conceptual background than students in corresponding standard courses. C&M students know that math is much more than a collection of rote hand calculations to be memorized.
Comments from Students
The problems we solved . . . apply to our classes and to our lives. I learned 10 times more than I would've in [a traditional calculus class] . I actually feel smart. Because we do everything by computer, we are forced to know why we do what we do. The style and the types of questions are things we can relate to and picture. I personally learn more when I understand and am interested... I gotta tell you, this is the most fun I have ever had in a math class. Seriously.
Tech Support
Techs support both the lab machines and the software used in this program.
In the event of a problem, send an e-mail to tech@cm.math.uiuc.edu.
