Best practices for teaching the concept of the derivative: Lessons from experienced calculus instructors

Abstract

Much research has reported on difficulties exhibited by students when working with the concept of the derivative in first-semester university calculus. In an effort to generate and share a resource on effective instructional practices related to the teaching of the concept of the derivative, a 12-item questionnaire was administered to experienced calculus instructors in the United States. Most of the 10 experts who participated in this study considered providing ample examples and practice problems, using graphing utilities such as Desmos and GeoGebra, and employing problem solving strategies in the teaching of the concept of the derivative to be effective in supporting students learn about the concept of the derivative, among other things. These experts further remarked on representations of the concept of the derivative and real-world contexts they typically use in their teaching of the concept, in addition to providing rationales for the choice of real-world contexts they typically use in their teaching of the concept. Recommendations for instruction are included.