As soon as a new technology emerges, the education community explores its affordances and the possibilities to apply it in education. In this article, we analyze sessions with ChatGPT around topics in basic linear algebra. We reflect on the affordances and changes between two versions of ChatGPT since its worldwide publication in our area of…

The aim of this research was to study and investigate first year university calculus students' misconceptions about how to use the definition of limit to find the first derivative of functions and then remediate these misconceptions by using APOS theory (Action, Process, Object, and Schema). Students (n = 82 female and male) were selected based on…

For several decades, literature on the history and pedagogy of mathematics has described how history of mathematics is beneficial for the teaching and learning of mathematics. We investigated the influence of a history and philosophy of mathematics (HPhM) course on students' progress through the lens of various competencies in mathematics (e.g.,…

This study questions the dominant approach in the presentation of the concept of slope in undergraduate education through mathematics textbooks. For this purpose, five mathematics textbooks, were analyzed for problems related to slope, and similarities and differences were revealed. First, the subjects related to the slope in the textbooks were…

We report on a study focused on identifying how undergraduate students make use of the Internet as a source of help to solve their mathematical queries. In particular, with the help of monitoring software, we observe how a group of engineering students use the Internet to solve a mathematical task related to the concept of definite integral, and…

We present an algorithm for a matrix-based Enigma-type encoder based on a variation of the Hill Cipher as an application of 2 × 2 matrices. In particular, students will use vector addition and 2 × 2 matrix multiplication by column vectors to simulate a matrix version of the German Enigma Encoding Machine as a basic example of cryptography. The…

Improving student success rates in introductory calculus and physics courses is critically important for our students' path in STEM fields. Many of the students who have an intuitive understanding of physics fail calculus and are pushed to delay or drop their majors in technical fields. One way of addressing this issue is by adopting a program…

Using simulation-based inference (SBI), such as randomization tests, as the primary vehicle for introducing students to the logic and scope of statistical inference has been advocated with the potential of improving student understanding of statistical inference and the statistical investigative process. Moving beyond the individual class…

Many researchers have stressed the embodied nature of mathematical understanding. Here we explore how embodied knowledge may evolve as students learn a basic calculus concept: the rate of change. We examined undergraduate students with different levels of calculus knowledge working in pairs to model the rate of change in an everyday phenomenon.…

This study focuses on students' understanding of multiple representations of functions. It examines student responses to a task in which calculus students are asked to evaluate the derivative at a point of the cubing function when represented piecewise. Results suggest that attending to the graph of the piecewise function does not improve…

Students often view their role as that of a replicator, rather than a creator, of mathematical arguments. We aimed to engage our students more fully in the creation process, helping them to see themselves as legitimate proof creators. In this paper, we describe an instructional activity (i.e., the "group proof activity") that is…

This paper presents 'expert opinions' on what should be taught in a first-year linear algebra course at university; the aim is to gain a generic picture and general guiding principles for such a course. Drawing on a Delphi method, 14 university professors--called 'experts' in this study--addressed the following questions: What should be on a…

The aim of this study is to question freshmen's conceptual knowledge on function. In this context, after the teaching of the function, students' skills of defining the concept of function, interpreting the definition and multirepresentation for the function were examined. In the study, qualitative research approach was adopted and was an example…

This paper discusses a game that can be used for introducing the binary representation of integers in an interactive and fun environment. The game is introduced in the way it is presented in an undergraduate Discrete Mathematics class. Variations of the game are discussed, particularly its extension to base-three representation of integers. It is…

Students' personal interest is hypothesized to be an important resource for learning, but only a few empirical studies have investigated the effect of interest on academic achievement and motivational outcomes of university studies. This lack of empirical studies is remarkable, because inadequate individual prerequisites are considered one reason…