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Deconstructing Standards

The goal is to deconstruct the calculus derivative standard, which entails applying the

definition of derivative to find functions for algebra, trigonometry, and logarithm math problems.

Deconstructing the calculus standard aims to guide learners to produce the correct derivative for

each function and provide clear solutions to differentiation problems.

Table 1: Deconstructing Calculus Derivative Standard.

Part A Part B

What knowledge or understanding is required Knowledge or understanding of student-

to become competent in this standard? friendly statements:

Understanding the concept of derivatives is I can explain the succinct meaning of a

necessary to become proficient in calculus derivative.

standards. Demonstrating knowledge about the I can identify and explain algebraic,

definitions and properties of algebra, trigonometric, and algorithmic functions.

trigonometry, and logarithm functions is also I can identify and utilize various derivative

important. Competency is demonstrated by the notations.

ability to recognize notation for derivatives,

such as dy/dx functions.

What reasoning is required to be competent on Reasoning student-friendly statements:

this standard? I can apply derivatives to various sets of

The reasoning required for the calculus functions.

standard includes the application of derivatives I can select the best rule to find a derivative for

to many functions. Also, it includes a particular function.

determining the appropriate rules to follow, I can decipher a function to establish the best
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such as the product rule or the quotient rule, to approach to differentiation.

find the derivatives. The selection of the right

rule aligns with Brookhart's (2014) suggestion

of assessing a student’s thinking to reveal a

deeper understanding of the underlying

concepts and knowledge under study. The

learner will also analyze the derivative function

to apply when performing differentiation.

What performance skills are required to Performance skills student-friendly

demonstrate competence on this standard? statements:
The performance skills required to deconstruct
I can competently calculate the derivative of an
the calculus standard include the ability to
algebraic function.
calculate the derivatives of algebraic,
I can find the derivative of trigonometric and
trigonometric, and logarithmic functions. The
logarithmic functions.
learner should show the ability to initiate a
I can present my work clearly showing each
step-by-step differentiation process. The
step of the differentiation process.
ability to demonstrate the step-by-step process

is not isolated but is intertwined with a

conceptual understanding of derivatives. As

Moss and Brookhart (2012) note, learning

targets should promote student understanding.

A student can demonstrate a more robust

understanding of the derivative concept by

showing calculations in a systematic process

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or steps. Lastly, the learner should be able to

verify the correctness of each derivative.

Source: (Self)

References
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Brookhart, S. M. (2014). How to design questions and tasks to assess student thinking.

Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Moss, C. M., & Brookhart, S. M. (2012). Learning Targets: Helping students aim for

understanding in today's lesson. Association for Supervision and Curriculum

Development.