InTex: a problem-centred approach to learning integration techniques

Students are reasonably competent at applying the various integration techniques, but are frequently unable to choose an appropriate technique for a given integrand. To overcome this difficulty, a problem-centred approach has been devised, whereby integrands are classified into categories which are then identified as requiring particular techniques. This has been implemented on the Web, using hyperlinks for the classification process, leading to detailed descriptions of the techniques and worked examples of their use. This resource, known as InTeχ, has been trialled with a class of 156 first-year mathematics students at Loughborough University, the majority of whom found it useful; however, it is not yet clear whether InTeχ has actually improved their skill in choosing integration techniques or whether they have used it as a crutch…InTex uses a web based, problem centred approach to help students recognise appropriate calculus, differentiation, integration techniques….