Integrating learning theories and application-based modules in teaching linear algebra

The research team of The Linear Algebra Project developed and implemented a curriculum and a pedagogy for parallel courses in (a) linear algebra and (b) learning theory as applied to the study of mathematics with an emphasis on linear algebra. The purpose of the ongoing research, partially funded by the National Science Foundation, is to investigate how the parallel study of learning theories and advanced mathematics influences the development of thinking of individuals in both domains. The researchers found that the particular synergy afforded by the parallel study of math and learning theory promoted, in some students, a rich understanding of both domains and that had a mutually reinforcing effect. Furthermore, there is evidence that the deeper insights will contribute to more effective instruction by those who become high school math teachers and, consequently, better learning by their students. The courses developed were appropriate for mathematics majors, pre-service secondary mathematics teachers, and practicing mathematics teachers. The learning seminar focused most heavily on constructivist theories, although it also examined socio-cultural and historical perspectives. A particular theory, Action-Process-Object-Schema (APOS) [10], was emphasized and examined through the lens of studying linear algebra. APOS has been used in a variety of studies focusing on student understanding of undergraduate mathematics. The linear algebra courses include the standard set of undergraduate topics. This paper reports the results of the learning theory seminar and its effects on students who were simultaneously enrolled in linear algebra and students who had previously completed linear algebra and outlines how prior research has influenced the future direction of the project.     

Hill-n密码学的计算机代数研究

以模代数及矩阵变换技术为理论基础的 Hill-n密码学 ,作为线性代数知识的进一步应用 ,在大学数学的学习与应用中是具有相当价值的 ;但若想在当时的学习或以后的应用中得以迅速实现靠手工计算是相当困难的 ;本文借助于计算机代数系统 Mathematica的推导与计算功能 ,编写了相应的程序包 ,准确而迅速实现了编码、译码、破译加密矩阵及密文等系列工作 .     

Mathematical modelling in engineering: an alternative way to teach Linear Algebra

Technological advances require that basic science courses for engineering, including Linear Algebra, emphasize the development of mathematical strengths associated with modelling and interpretation of results, which are not limited only to calculus abilities. Based on this consideration, we have proposed a project-based learning, giving a dynamic classroom approach in which students modelled real-world problems and turn gain a deeper knowledge of the Linear Algebra subject. Considering that most students are digital natives, we use the e-portfolio as a tool of communication between students and teachers, besides being a good place making the work visible. In this article, we present an overview of the design and implementation of a project-based learning for a Linear Algebra course taught during the 2014–2015 at the ‘ETSEIB'of Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC).     

A support learning programme for first-year mathematics*

ABSTRACT

This article is a follow-up to an earlier paper on the mathematics support learning tutorial programme (SLT), an intervention programme at The University of Queensland that targets students considered to be at risk of failing Calculus and Linear Algebra I, the first tertiary level mathematics subject at The University of Queensland. The first paper (Hillock, P., Jennings, M., Roberts, A., & Scharaschkin, V. (2013). Amathematics support programme for first-year engineering students. International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, 44(7), 1030–1044) reported on the inaugural programme implemented in 2012. This article provides an update of the progress of the SLT since 2012. We provide statistics for the subsequent 12 semesters to Semester 2, 2018 and describe the evolution of the SLT since its implementation. Statistical analysis of the additional data and student feedback indicate that the SLT continues to have a positive impact on student learning, with weak students making significant gains from attending the programme.     

The finite-to-finite strand of a learning progression for the concept of function: A research synthesis and cognitive analysis

In this paper we report validation efforts around the finite-to-finite strand of a provisional learning progression (LP) for the concept of function. We regard an LP as an empirically-verified account of how student understandings form over time and in response to instruction. The finite-to-finite strand of the LP was informed by literature on students’ thinking and learning related to functions as well as the Algebra Project’s curricular approach, which is designed for students who are traditionally underserved by mathematics education. Developing and validating an LP is a multi-step, cyclic process. Here we report on one step in this process, an item and response analysis. Data sources include 680 students’ responses to 13 multipart computer-delivered tasks. Results suggest that revisions to the items, associated scoring rubrics, and in some instances the LP are warranted. We illustrate this task, rubric, and LP revision process through an item analysis for a selected task.     

A few pedagogical designs in linear algebra with Cabri and Maple

Since the 90’s, with the creation of new electronic environments for learning and teaching, several research groups in Mathematics Education have been emerging and developing. This article elaborates few pedagogical designs in Linear Algebra supported by both the geometrical micro-world Cabri and the computer algebra system Maple. Stumbling blocks in the learning of Linear Algebra are examined, more exactly linear transformations, eigenvectors, quadratic forms, conics with changes of bases and finally singular values. Encountering a special group of students very eager to explore the world of linear algebra, we initiated a classification of linear transformations of the Euclidean plane R² via ellipses.     

逆矩阵的判定及计算方法

线性代数是大学教育中一门难度较高的基础必修课程,而逆矩阵是教学过程中一个主要概念,对研究其他线性结构有着非常重要的作用.本文通过对逆矩阵定义的分析,汇总若干个判定矩阵是否可逆的方法,同时提供了多种逆矩阵的计算技巧,包括利用计算机技术简化繁琐的计算过程,这些都是学习者在学习过程中需要掌握的重要内容.本文旨在协助教师在开展教学时,能够举一反三,以点带面来引导学生将所学知识融合,注重知识点之间的相关性学习;同时,也帮助学习者能够更加全面的认识逆矩阵这一重要概念.     

Developing mathematical modelling skills: The role of CAS

Mathematical modelling as one component of problem solving is an important part of the mathematics curriculum and problem solving skills are often the most quoted generic skills that should be developed as an outcome of a programme of mathematics in school, college and university. Often there is a tension between mathematics seen at all levels as ‘a body of knowledge’ to be delivered at all costs and mathematics seen as a set of critical thinking and questioning skills. In this era of powerful software on hand-held and computer technologies there is an opportunity to review the procedures and rules that form the ‘body of knowledge’ that have been the central focus of the mathematics curriculum for over one hundred years. With technology we can spend less time on the traditional skills and create time for problem solving skills. We propose that mathematics software in general and CAS in particular provides opportunities for students to focus on the formulation and interpretation phases of the mathematical modelling process. Exploring the effect of parameters in a mathematical model is an important skill in mathematics and students often have difficulties in identifying the different role of variables and parameters This is an important part of validating a mathematical model formulated to describe, a real world situation. We illustrate how learning these skills can be enhanced by presenting and analysing the solution of two optimisation problems.     

Metaphor or Met-Before? The effects of previouos experience on practice and theory of learning mathematics

While the general notion of ‘metaphor’ may offer a thoughtful analysis of the nature of mathematical thinking, this paper suggests that it is even more important to take into account the particular mental structures available to the individual that have been built from experience that the individual has ‘met-before.’ The notion of ‘met-before’ offers not only a principle to analyse the changing meanings in mathematics and the difficulties faced by the learner—which we illustrate by the problematic case of the minus sign—it can also be used to analyse the met-befores of mathematicians, mathematics educators and those who develop theories of learning to reveal implicit assumptions that support our thinking in some ways and act as impediments in others.     

On the largest kth eigenvalues of trees with n≡0 (mod k)

We consider the only remaining unsolved case n≡0 (mod k) for the largest kth eigenvalue of trees with n vertices. In 1995, Jia-yu Shao gave complete solutions for the cases k=2,3,4,5,6 and provided some necessary conditions for extremal trees in general cases (cf. [Linear Algebra Appl. 221 (1995) 131]). We further improve Shao's necessary condition in this paper, which can be seen as the continuation of [Linear Algebra Appl. 221 (1995) 131].     

中美一些《线性代数》教材分析与思考

通过中美有代表性的几本《线性代数》教材在内容、知识、应用、习题、现代化教学手段等方面的比较,分析国内外教材的特点,从数学观、教育理念、文化影响等方面提出了一些值得思考的问题,给我国代数教材建设提供一些启示.     

The role of examples in the learning of mathematics and in everyday thought processes

The purpose of this paper is to present a view of three central conceptual activities in the learning of mathematics: concept formation, conjecture formation and conjecture verification. These activities also take place in everyday thinking, in which the role of examples is crucial. Contrary to mathematics, in everyday thinking examples are, very often, the only tool by which we can form concepts and conjectures, and verify them. Thus, relying on examples in these activities in everyday thought processes becomes immediate and natural. In mathematics, however, we form concepts by means of definitions and verify conjectures by mathematical proofs. Thus, mathematics imposes on students certain ways of thinking, which are counterintuitive and not spontaneous. In other words, mathematical thinking requires a kind of inhibition from the learners. The question is to what extent this goal can be achieved. It is quite clear that some people can achieve it. It is also quite clear that many people cannot achieve it. The crucial question is what percentage of the population is interested in achieving it or, moreover, what percentage of the population really cares about it.     

Student performance and attitudes in a collaborative and flipped linear algebra course

Flipped learning is gaining traction in K-12 for enhancing students’ problem-solving skills at an early age; however, there is relatively little large-scale research showing its effectiveness in promoting better learning outcomes in higher education, especially in mathematics classes. In this study, we examined the data compiled from both quantitative and qualitative measures such as item scores on a common final and attitude survey results between a flipped and a traditional Introductory Linear Algebra class taught by two individual instructors at a state university in California in Fall 2013. Students in the flipped class were asked to watch short video lectures made by the instructor and complete a short online quiz prior to each class attendance. The class time was completely devoted to problem solving in group settings where students were prompted to communicate their reasoning with proper mathematical terms and structured sentences verbally and in writing. Examination of the quality and depth of student responses from the common final exam showed that students in the flipped class produced more comprehensive and well-explained responses to the questions that required reasoning, creating examples, and more complex use of mathematical objects. Furthermore, students in the flipped class performed superiorly in the overall comprehension of the content with a 21% increase in the median final exam score. Overall, students felt more confident about their ability to learn mathematics independently, showed better retention of materials over time, and enjoyed the flipped experience.     

Book Reviews

Linear Algebra, 2nd edition by Serge Lang (1971). Addison-Wesley Publishing Company.

Linear Algebra with Applications by Hugh G. Campbell. Appleton-Century-Crofts, New York, 1971. xiii + 396 pp. + A45.An Engineering Approach to Linear Algebra, by W. W. Sawyer. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1972. 304 pp. ($11.50)

An Engineering Approach to Linear Algebra, By W. W. Sawyer. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1972. 304 pp. ($11.50) Sparse Matrices, by R. P. Tewarson. ($11.95)

Sparse Matrices, by R. P. Tewarson. ($11.95)     

引入自我调节发展大学生数学思维的研究

自我调节学习是按照现代教育理论发展起来的一种教育实践活动.分析了其理论基础和发展现状,针对大学生思维发展中辩证思维占优势、创造思维呈上升趋势等显著特点,结合高等数学自身以动态为主,高容量、深广度,较初等数学有质的飞跃的事实,分析了高等数学与初等数学的思维差异,阐明了自我调节运用于高等数学课程教学中的可能性和必要性,并通过教学实验研究,从获得的第一手材料证实了自我调节手段运用于高等数学教学中的可行性,从而也表明了它是促进学生数学思维发展的强有力的工具.     

Relationships Between Student,Teacher, and School Characteristics and Mathematics Achievement

A variety of factors contributes to student achievement in mathematics, including but not limited to student behaviors and student, teacher, and school characteristics. The purpose of this study was to explore which of these factors have an impact on student mathematics achievement. The target population for this study was North Carolina Algebra II students. Analyses of variance models were examined for group differences and a Three‐level Hierarchical Linear Modeling method was employed to examine individual predictors of student achievement in mathematics. Statistically, significant differences were found between students of different ethnicities, socioeconomic statuses (SES), and parental education levels. No gender effects were statistically significant. All teacher‐level variables investigated were found to be statistically significant, impacting student achievement in mathematics. School size and SES were not found to significantly contribute to student achievement. More research on the relationships between these factors shown to make statistically significant differences on mathematics achievement is needed to further explain several phenomena that this research reveals.