Precalculus teachers’ perspectives on using graphing calculators: an example from one curriculum

Abstract

Graphing calculators are hand-held technological tools currently used in mathematics classrooms. Teachers’ perspectives on using graphing calculators are important in terms of exploring what teachers think about using such technology in advanced mathematics courses, particularly precalculus courses. A descriptive intrinsic case study was conducted to analyse the perspectives of 11 teachers using graphing calculators with potential Computer Algebra System (CAS) capabilitywhile teaching Functions, Statistics,andTrigonometry, a precalculus course for 11th-grade students developed by the University of Chicago School Mathematics Project. Data were collected from multiple sources as part of a curriculum evaluation study conducted during the 2007–2008 school year. Although all teachers were using the same curriculum that integrated CAS into the instructionalmaterials, teachers had mixed views about the technology. Graphing calculator features were used much more than CAS features, withmany teachers concerned about the use of CAS because of pressures from external assessments. In addition, several teachers found it overwhelming to learn a new technology at the same time they were learning a new curriculum. The results have implications for curriculum developers and others working with teachers to update curriculum and the use of advanced technologies simultaneously.