The use of computer simulations in the teaching of introductory statistics can help undergraduate students understand difficult or abstract statistics concepts. The free software environment R is a good candidate for computer simulations since it allows users to add additional functionality by defining new functions. In this paper, we illustrate…

This paper investigates the advantages of using a two-step homework system. First, technology is used to collect and grade traditional homework. Then, students are expected to present and explain problems from their assignments in class. Several versions of implementation are discussed for different course levels and sizes. Through these methods,…

Many students do not have a deep understanding of the integral concept. This article defines what a deep understanding of the integral is in respect to integration involving one independent variable; briefly discusses factors which may inhibit such an understanding; and then describes the design of a mathematical resource for introducing students…

Roots is one of these mathematical topics that students encounter multiple times in their studies of mathematics. Growing from the commognitive framework, this study is concerned with intra-commognitive conflicts where the same discursant develops incommensurable discourses on 'the same' mathematical object (square roots, in this case) and…

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 continuum is one of the most difficult mathematical concepts for undergraduate students. We hypothesize that among the difficulties they face in relation with this notion, the graphical evidence provided by the number line fosters the idea of a dichotomy between discreteness and continuity, hiding the property of density-in-itself, i.e. the…

We hope to initiate a discussion about various methods for introducing Cauchy's Theorem. Although Cauchy's Theorem is the fundamental theorem upon which complex analysis is based, there is no "standard approach." The appropriate choice depends upon the prerequisites for the course and the level of rigor intended. Common methods include…

Writing in mathematics is an essential skill for communication and many technical careers. Research suggests that writing in mathematics often leads to increased understanding and more effective communication. However, writing in mathematics is still underutilized as a method of instruction. Further, many college students practice example-based…

The purpose of this study was to gain insight into 30, first year calculus students' understanding of the relationship between the concept of vertex of a quadratic function and the concept of the derivative. APOS (action-process-object-schema) theory was applied as a guiding framework of analysis on student written work, think-aloud and follow up…

Background: The concept of rational numbers is one of the learner's first experiences with a Mathematics concept beyond the basic skills operations on whole numbers. The personal knowledge of fractions that teachers bring to the teaching context is important because teachers mediate the conceptions that their learners construct. Aim: This study…

The study of mathematics at the university level requires logical thinking and strong mathematical skills. Contemporary first-year students are not prepared for these demands and end up failing their courses. This study aims to present an instrument for enhancing mathematics teaching and promoting learning with understanding in higher education by…

We describe some classic experiments on the Möbius strip, the projective plane band, and the Klein bottle band. We present our experience with freshmen college students, college teachers, high school students, and Mathematics Education graduate students. These experiments are designed to encourage readers to learn more about the properties of the…

We discuss an implementation of the research-based Pathways precalculus curriculum in a large-lecture format supported by recitations, clickers, and online homework. We describe our approach to adapting the implementation of Pathways precalculus from a small class to a large lecture instructional format. We report data on student learning and…

In this paper, I present a homework system that supports a flipped classroom environment using only a textbook for students' first contact with the material. Motivated by David Pengelley's homework system, each unit of material has four key components: Core Assignments, Conceptual Assignments, In-class Worksheets, and Follow-up Assignments. The…

This study investigated personalization as an innovation that can be used to impact college mathematics achievement. In the reported study, similar tasks using personalized data and teacher-selected data were implemented in courses in both 4-year and 2-year colleges. Pre- and posttests and student work were analyzed to examine the impact of…