Didactics of Vector Calculus: An argument for educational research

FERMAT had a presence at the BeNeLux Mathematical Congress on 8 April, as one of two presentations from the Netherlands in the session Evidence-Based Practices in Teaching Mathematics at the University Level.

Tracy Craig presented FERMAT projects on the teaching, learning and assessing of multivariable and vector calculus. The UT leads the 4TUs in mathematics education research and it was a privilege to represent DAMUT on this international stage. 

Students find multivariable and vector calculus very challenging. In FERMAT we seek to understand where exactly the conceptual stumbling blocks lie and how we can teach for deeper understanding of these important topics. The projects in question have had significant impact on certain courses in the maths line in the contexts of teaching double integrals, developing problem solving skills in vector calculus, and technology-mediated assessment of vector calculus. 

 Current projects continuing this theme include student performance in multivariable calculus in the context of probability and constructive alignment between vector calculus and electrodynamics.