Victor Katz
University of the District of Columbia
Friday, May 2, 5:00-6:00 pm
There are numerous ways the history of mathematics can be used to improve the teaching of mathematics at all levels, from the use of anecdotes to the full-scale reworking of courses from a historical perspective. But for most teachers, history can best be implemented by using it in introducing and discussing individual topics in the curriculum, particularly those topics which frequently give students the most trouble. In this talk, I will give examples of this use of history in courses ranging from elementary algebra and trigonometry to abstract algebra and advanced calculus. In each case, I will consider how student difficulties can often be overcome by considering the historical difficulties in the development of these topics.
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Document last modified Monday, 01-Mar-2004 08:01:55 EST