Analysis of the understanding of the derivative from the graphical approach in higher level students

Abstract

The analysis of the understanding of the derivative is reported from a graphic approach in higher level students. The purpose is to investigate how students interpret the graphic and analytical aspects of this concept. Our review supports that the problem of these interpretations lies in the focus on formulas and derivation techniques without relating them to their visual aspect. To this end, an activity questionnaire was adapted to identify in our institution how the student graphically understands the derivative. The result shows that students have difficulties in interpretation and comprehension from a graphic approach; in addition, the existence of an error that is repeated to the one reported in our review despite being from different academic contexts.