The Importance of Riemann Sum Concept in Solving Integration Problem
The International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education published a research article by BYU Mathematics Education assistant professor Steven Jones, PhD, in August 2017. The article “Teaching integration: How certain instructional moves may undermine the potential conceptual value of the Riemann sum and the Riemann integral” discussed the importance of teaching Riemann sum-based conceptions in introductory calculus classes, which are important for solving science and engineering problems. It is common for calculus instructors to initially teach the Riemann sum and Riemann integral concepts when introducing integration in first-semester calculus. However, they also may send subtle messages to students that the concept is not important. “What I am hoping to do is to remind instructors to really think about not just teaching shortcuts to calculate numerical answers, but what ideas can…