In this paper, we present a qualitative study on what values students perceive in their abstract algebra course. We interviewed six undergraduates early in their abstract algebra course and then again after their course was completed about what motivated them to learn abstract algebra and what value they saw in the subject. The key finding from…

This study reveals the content and methodological features of professionally oriented training of engineering students in higher mathematics. The authors provide examples of applied tasks for students of different technical specialities. The relevance of this article is determined by the fact that a modern higher educational institution sets…

In this note, I present an 'easy-to-be-remembered' shortcut for promptly solving the ubiquitous integral [line integral] x[superscript n] e[superscript alpha x] dx for any integer n>0 using only the successive derivatives of x[superscript n]. Some interesting applications are indicated. The shortcut is so simple that it could well be included…

The instrumental approach is a useful theoretical lens for understanding students' learning processes with a main focus on the transformation of an artefact (a human design for a goal-directed activity) into a meaningful instrument (i.e. an artefact and schemes developed by the student). In this paper, we articulate the instrumental approach for…

In collegiate mathematics, college algebra continues to be a barrier to graduation for students (specifically non-science, mathematics, engineering, and science majors). Each year, nearly half of enrolled students struggle to "pass" this course with a grade of C or better (Herriott, 2006). Using innovative constructed lessons geared…

Knowing when students have the prerequisite knowledge to be able to read and understand a mathematical text is a perennial concern for instructors. Using text describing Newton's method and Vinner's notion of concept image, we exemplify how prerequisite knowledge influences understanding. Through clinical interviews with first-semester calculus…

The purpose of this research study was to understand how mathematics majors make sense of similar matrices, a linear algebra topic that is rich in internal and external connections, in a series of in-depth qualitative interviews in a technology-assisted (MATLAB) learning environment. The study was also an attempt to develop a cognitive theory in…

The aim of this study is to improve the quality of the mathematics curricula in Saudi universities by investigating the required changes in mathematics curricula in order to satisfy the demands of the Saudi Vision 2030. The researcher used qualitative methods to answer the research questions by randomly selecting a sample composed of some faculty…

The main objective of this paper is to propose a didactic framework for teaching Applied Mathematics in higher education. After describing the structure of the framework, several applications of inquiry-based learning in teaching numerical analysis and optimization are provided to illustrate the potential of the proposed framework. The framework…

In this work, we review and share some useful technology for mathematics educators that can help to enhance their pedagogical practices to motivate students to improve their further understanding of differential equations after an initial exposure to the topic in an undergraduate class. In particular, we present some innovative ways to employ…

In this work, we present a teaching proposal which emphasizes on visualization and physical applications in the study of eigenvectors and eigenvalues. These concepts are introduced using the notion of the moment of inertia of a rigid body and the GeoGebra software. The proposal was motivated after observing students' difficulties when treating…

The "Unsolved Problems in Number Theory" book by Richard Guy provides nice problems suitable for a typical math major. We give examples of problems that have worked well in our senior seminar course and some nice results that senior math majors can obtain.

In this paper I discuss the motivation behind using an introduction to Fourier series as a method to unify the topics of integration techniques and series calculations in a Calculus II course.

This article is based on data from two major research projects that investigated students involved in mathematically demanding courses during their transition through college and into university. It explores the nature of modelling as a mathematical practice in this important transition phase for students. Theoretical considerations are informed…

This article discusses preparation assignments used in a Calculus II course that cover material from prerequisite courses. Prior to learning new material, students work on problems outside of class involving concepts from algebra, trigonometry, and Calculus I. These problems are directly built upon in order to answer Calculus II questions,…