Students’ Difficulties and Misconceptions in Learning Concepts of Limit, Continuity and Derivative

Abstract

This study aimed at examining students’ difficulties and misconceptions in learning concepts of calculus at preparatory secondary schools of Dire Dawa city. Accordingly, students’ conception of concepts in calculus, students’ misconceptions, and factors influencing the teaching-learning of concepts were surveyed. Descriptive survey approach was used as a research method for the study. Achievement test was the prime instrument used for gathering the necessary data. One hundred thirty-five students were involved in the study. The study result indicated gaps between the aspiration of the mathematics syllabi prepared by the Ethiopian Federal Ministry of Education and students’ actual achievement. It also indicated the presence of misconceptions, on the part of students, regarding the basic concepts of calculus.