Learning Abstract Algebra with ISETL

Learning Abstract Algebra with ISETL
Author: Ed Dubinsky
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 282
Release: 1994
Genre: Education
ISBN: 9780387941042

Most students in abstract algebra classes have great difficulty making sense of what the instructor is saying. Moreover, this seems to remain true almost independently of the quality of the lecture. This book is based on the constructivist belief that, before students can make sense of any presentation of abstract mathematics, they need to be engaged in mental activities which will establish an experiential base for any future verbal explanation. No less, they need to have the opportunity to reflect on their activities. This approach is based on extensive theoretical and empirical studies as well as on the substantial experience of the authors in teaching astract algebra. The main source of activities in this course is computer constructions, specifically, small programs written in the mathlike programming language ISETL; the main tool for reflections is work in teams of 2-4 students, where the activities are discussed and debated. Because of the similarity of ISETL expressions to standard written mathematics, there is very little programming overhead: learning to program is inseparable from learning the mathematics. Each topic is first introduced through computer activities, which are then followed by a text section and exercises. This text section is written in an informed, discusive style, closely relating definitions and proofs to the constructions in the activities. Notions such as cosets and quotient groups become much more meaningful to the students than when they are preseted in a lecture.

Learning Abstract Algebra with ISETL

Learning Abstract Algebra with ISETL
Author: Ed Dubinsky
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 257
Release: 1993-12-14
Genre: Mathematics
ISBN: 9780387941523

This book is based on the belief that, before students can make sense of any presentation of abstract mathematics, they need to be engaged in mental activities that will establish an experiential base for any future verbal explanations and to have the opportunity to reflect on their activities. This approach is based on extensive theoretical and empirical studies, as well as on the substantial experience of the authors in teaching Abstract Algebra. The main source of activities in this course is computer constructions, specifically, small programs written in the math-like programming language ISETL; the main tool for reflection is work in teams of two to four students, where the activities are discussed and debated. Because of the similarity of ISETL expressions to standard written mathematics, there is very little programming overhead: learning to program is inseparable from learning the mathematics. Each topic is first introduced through computer activities, which are then followed by a text section and exercises. The text section is written in an informal, discursive style, closely relating definitions and proofs to the constructions in the activities. Notions such as cosets and quotient groups become much more meaningful to the students than when they are presented in a lecture.

Connecting Abstract Algebra to Secondary Mathematics, for Secondary Mathematics Teachers

Connecting Abstract Algebra to Secondary Mathematics, for Secondary Mathematics Teachers
Author: Nicholas H. Wasserman
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 465
Release: 2018-12-12
Genre: Education
ISBN: 3319992147

Secondary mathematics teachers are frequently required to take a large number of mathematics courses – including advanced mathematics courses such as abstract algebra – as part of their initial teacher preparation program and/or their continuing professional development. The content areas of advanced and secondary mathematics are closely connected. Yet, despite this connection many secondary teachers insist that such advanced mathematics is unrelated to their future professional work in the classroom. This edited volume elaborates on some of the connections between abstract algebra and secondary mathematics, including why and in what ways they may be important for secondary teachers. Notably, the volume disseminates research findings about how secondary teachers engage with, and make sense of, abstract algebra ideas, both in general and in relation to their own teaching, as well as offers itself as a place to share practical ideas and resources for secondary mathematics teacher preparation and professional development. Contributors to the book are scholars who have both experience in the mathematical preparation of secondary teachers, especially in relation to abstract algebra, as well as those who have engaged in related educational research. The volume addresses some of the persistent issues in secondary mathematics teacher education in connection to advanced mathematics courses, as well as situates and conceptualizes different ways in which abstract algebra might be influential for teachers of algebra. Connecting Abstract Algebra to Secondary Mathematics, for Secondary Mathematics Teachers is a productive resource for mathematics teacher educators who teach capstone courses or content-focused methods courses, as well as for abstract algebra instructors interested in making connections to secondary mathematics.

APOS Theory

APOS Theory
Author: Ilana Arnon
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 259
Release: 2013-08-04
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1461479665

In spite of the fact that APOS Theory has been used extensively in numerous scholarly publications, in the design of textbooks, and in teaching practice, there is no single references that contains all the relevant information about its components, and provides guidance about its application. The goal of this book is to present the main elements of APOS theory. It should be useful for researchers who work with, or would like to learn more about, this theoretical approach, people who are interested in the way which mathematical conceptions are constructed according to this theory, Mathematics Education researchers, graduate students in Mathematics Education, and Mathematics instructors.

Second International Handbook of Mathematics Education

Second International Handbook of Mathematics Education
Author: Alan Bishop
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 978
Release: 2012-02-02
Genre: Education
ISBN: 9401002738

ALAN 1. BISHOP The first International Handbook on Mathematics Education was published by Kluwer Academic Publishers in 1996. However, most of the writing for that handbook was done in 1995 and generally reflected the main research and development foci prior to 1994. There were four sections, 36 chapters, and some 150 people contributed to the final volume either as author, reviewer, editor, or critical friend. The task was a monumental one, attempting to cover the major research and practice developments in the international field of mathematics education as it appeared to the contributors in 1995. Inevitably there were certain omissions, some developments were only starting to emerge, and some literatures were only sketchy and speculative. However that Handbook has had to be reprinted three times, so it clearly fulfilled a need and I personally hope that it lived up to what I wrote in its Introduction: The Handbook thus attempts not merely to present a description of the international 'state-of-the-field', but also to offer synthetic and reflective overviews on the different directions being taken by the field, on the gaps existing in our present knowledge, on the current problems being faced, and on the future possibilities for development. (Bishop et aI. , 1996) Since that time there has been even more activity in our field, and now seems a good time to take stock again, to reflect on what has happened since 1995, and to create a second Handbook with the same overall goals.

The Teaching and Learning of Mathematics at University Level

The Teaching and Learning of Mathematics at University Level
Author: Derek Holton
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 559
Release: 2006-04-11
Genre: Education
ISBN: 0306472317

This is a text that contains the latest in thinking and the best in practice. It provides a state-of-the-art statement on tertiary teaching from a multi-perspective standpoint. No previous book has attempted to take such a wide view of the topic. The book will be of special interest to academic mathematicians, mathematics educators, and educational researchers. It arose from the ICMI Study into the teaching and learning of mathematics at university level (initiated at the conference in Singapore, 1998).

How to Teach Mathematics

How to Teach Mathematics
Author: Steven G. Krantz
Publisher: American Mathematical Soc.
Total Pages: 168
Release: 2015-10-07
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1470425521

This third edition is a lively and provocative tract on how to teach mathematics in today's new world of online learning tools and innovative teaching devices. The author guides the reader through the joys and pitfalls of interacting with modern undergraduates--telling you very explicitly what to do and what not to do. This third edition has been streamlined from the second edition, but still includes the nuts and bolts of good teaching, discussing material related to new developments in teaching methodology and technique, as well as adding an entire new chapter on online teaching methods.