1. Graphics Calculator Usage in the West Australian Tertiary Entrance Examination of Calculus.
- Author
-
Forster, Patricia Ann and Mueller, Ute
- Abstract
This paper presents a comparative analysis of the Western Australian Calculus Tertiary Entrance Examination (TEE) papers for 1996-99, two years before and two years after the introduction of graphics calculators on the examination. Changes in the questions that asked students to graph rational functions and students' answers to the corresponding question from the 1999 paper are examined. Sociocultural theory and the use of technology are also discussed, including the role of the calculator, effects of technology usage, and inscriptions versus representations. The inquiry highlights implications for teaching and assessment of calculus in the presence of graphics calculators at the upper-secondary level. Results are presented in the following areas: (1) characteristics of questions for the 1996-99 Calculus TEE, including skills, real-life contexts, the role of diagrams, the role of graphics calculators, and effects on curriculum components; (2) questions on rational functions; (3) students' use of graphics calculators in the 1999 question; and (4) roles of the calculator. Contains 28 references. (MES)
- Published
- 2000