<p>Math teaching is an intractable problem at every level from elementary school through college.</p>
<p>I recall taking a “Calculus for Non-Science Majors” at Stanford years and years ago. this particular Professor was known for his expertise in TEACHING Calculus in a way that made SENSE to non math kids. I don’t know why his method worked, or why 99% of the methods out there do NOT work, but it is what it is. There is a reason why most of the treads on this website about “Will I get my admission into XXX Top 50 University rescinded!!!” reference a D or failing grade in AP Calculus as the culprit.</p>
<p>I make this point – Calculus is Calculus, but teaching its concepts in a way that brings them to life requires either serendipity, genious, or more likely, a Professor dedicated to years and years of trial and error refining which teaching methodoligies work better than others. You most certainly don’t want a rookie trying to figure out how to explain Calculus concepts for the first time to an elite (expensive) college’s wide eyed freshmen.</p>