The Calculus Curse is a book that delves into the challenging world of calculus and the struggles many students face when studying this subject. The author, Jennifer Ouellette, takes readers on a personal journey as she confronts her own fear and frustrations with calculus, and explores why so many students struggle with it. Throughout the book, Ouellette investigates the history and development of calculus, its applications in various fields, and the reasons behind its reputation as a difficult subject. She explores the myth of the "math gene" and argues that anyone can learn calculus with the right mindset and approach. One of the main ideas in the book is that calculus is often taught in a way that emphasizes rote memorization and mechanical problem-solving, which can discourage students and hinder their understanding of the subject. Ouellette suggests that a conceptual understanding of calculus, as well as a focus on problem-solving strategies and real-world applications, can make the subject more engaging and accessible.
The AP Program is unique in its reliance on Development Committees. These committees, made up of an equal number of college faculty and experienced secondary AP teachers from across the country, are essential to the preparation of AP course curricula and exams.
The AP Calculus BC framework included in the course and exam description outlines distinct skills, called Mathematical Practices, that students should practice throughout the year skills that will help them learn to think and act like mathematicians. Excerpted from the AP Calculus AB and BC Course and Exam Description, the Course at a Glance document outlines the topics and skills covered in the AP Calculus courses, along with suggestions for sequencing.
Ouellette suggests that a conceptual understanding of calculus, as well as a focus on problem-solving strategies and real-world applications, can make the subject more engaging and accessible. In addition, Ouellette shares her own experiences with learning calculus and the strategies she used to overcome her fear and improve her understanding of the subject. She provides practical tips and advice for students, such as seeking help when needed, breaking problems down into smaller steps, and finding ways to apply calculus concepts to real-life situations.
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus BC is an introductory college-level calculus course. Students cultivate their understanding of differential and integral calculus through engaging with real-world problems represented graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally and using definitions and theorems to build arguments and justify conclusions as they explore concepts like change, limits, and the analysis of functions.
Overall, The Calculus Curse seeks to debunk the myth that calculus is an impossible subject and provides encouragement and guidance for those struggling with it. Ouellette's engaging and personal writing style, combined with her insights into the nature of calculus and its challenges, makes this book a valuable resource for students, educators, and anyone interested in the subject..
Reviews for "The Curse Book PDF: Your Secret Weapon in Calculus"
1. John Doe - 2 stars
The "Calculus Curse" book in PDF format was a disappointment for me. I was hoping for a clear and concise explanation of the subject matter, but instead, I found the book to be overly complicated and poorly organized. The author seemed to assume prior knowledge that I didn't possess, and the examples and explanations just didn't click for me. I ended up feeling even more confused after reading it than before. I would not recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a beginner-friendly introduction to calculus.
2. Jane Smith - 1 star
I found the "Calculus Curse" book in PDF to be extremely challenging to follow. The formatting and layout made it difficult to understand the concepts being presented. The author's writing style was unnecessarily complex, using jargon that left me feeling overwhelmed. The lack of step-by-step explanations and examples made it nearly impossible for me to grasp the material. I would not recommend this book for self-study, especially for beginners in calculus.
3. Robert Johnson - 2 stars
As a student struggling with calculus, I was hopeful that the "Calculus Curse" book in PDF format would help me overcome my difficulties. Unfortunately, it did more harm than good. The book lacked clear explanations and often jumped from one topic to another without properly establishing a foundation. The examples provided were not adequately explained, making it difficult for me to apply the concepts to my own problems. It felt like the author assumed a level of prior knowledge that I did not possess. Overall, I was left feeling frustrated and unsatisfied with this book.
4. Amanda Thompson - 3 stars
While the "Calculus Curse" book in PDF format did cover important calculus topics, I found it to be overly dense and complex for a beginner like myself. The explanations were often long-winded and hard to follow, requiring multiple readings to fully understand. The lack of clear diagrams or visual aids made it even more challenging to grasp certain concepts. Although I appreciate the depth of content, I would recommend this book for more advanced learners who are already familiar with calculus.
5. Michael Harris - 2 stars
I was quite disappointed with the "Calculus Curse" book in PDF format. The author's writing style was unnecessarily convoluted, making it difficult to comprehend the material presented. The lack of clear examples and step-by-step explanations hindered my learning experience. Additionally, the book did not provide enough practice problems or exercises to reinforce the concepts. It felt more like a reference book for someone who already has a solid understanding of calculus rather than a beginner's guide. I would not recommend this book for those new to the subject.