Revisiting university students’ knowledge that involves basic differential equation questions

Resumen

This study documents the extent to which university students utilize diverse representations and mathematical processes to interpret and respond to a set of questions that involves fundamental concepts in the study of differential equations. Results indicate that students' idea to solve a differential equation is reduced to the application of proper solution methods to a certain type of equation differential expressions. Thus, instructional activities should promote the students' use of several representation systems in which they can reflect on the various aspects associated with the concept itself, the solution methods, procedures, and the corresponding meaning and connections among those representations.