Developing Students’ Reasoning in Precalculus: Covariational Explorations Enriched by Rates of Change and Limits by Andrzej Sokolowski

Developing Students’ Reasoning in Precalculus: Covariational Explorations Enriched by Rates of Change and Limits by Andrzej Sokolowski

This book aims to develop high school and undergraduate students’ covariational reasoning and algebraic skills to succeed in calculus and STEM subjects.  The book reflects on contemporary research in math education where students explore algebraic tools and reason mathematically to construct new knowledge. The volume is made up of six chapters covering polynomial, rational, and transcendental functions. An early introduction of limits to support the analyses of linear functions progresses to other book chapters ensuring consistency, parallelism, and a scaffold knowledge delivery.  A gradual introduction to function rates of change along with function monotonicity and concavity intertwines with modeling techniques that merge students’ mathematical reasoning with scientific contexts.  A forthcoming online component of the book consists of ready-to-download exploratory modeling activities and worksheets that further solidify students’ fluency in understanding how to apply abstract math concepts to gain a deeper understanding of natural and social sciences.

Dr. Andrzej Sokolowski, a researcher, and professor of mathematics and physics has an international track record of developing innovative teaching strategies in mathematics, physics, and STEM. His research focuses on integrating curricula of these disciplines through modeling. Andrzej is the author of Scientific Inquiry in Mathematics- Theory and Practice published by Springer, Inc., as well as several book chapters and numerous articles published, among others, in Physics Education Journal, Australian Senior Mathematics Journal, and International Journal of Physics and Chemistry Education. He is also an active reviewer for a number of periodicals including Mathematical Association of America (MAA), International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology (IJMEST), and IOPscience.