Coming from the commognitive standpoint, we consider proof-based mathematics as a distinct discourse, the transition to which requires special rules for endorsement and rejection of mathematical statements. In this study, we investigate newcomers' learning of these rules when being taught them explicitly. Our data come from academically motivated…

Almost all finite groups encountered by undergraduates can be represented as multiplicative groups of concise block-diagonal binary matrices. Such representations provide simple examples for beginning a group theory course. More importantly, these representations provide concrete models for "abstract" concepts. We describe Maple lab…

Engaging students in mathematical justification is extremely important from a learning-focused and a disciplinary perspective. Prior research has commonly found that middle grades students struggle to produce viable justifications, arguments, and proofs, yet these studies often consider students' justification in only one modality (oral or…

We report on a research study conducted within a transition-to-proof course for mathematics majors at a large public university. Within the course, students explored famously unproven conjectures and reflected on how their perspectives of mathematics changed through this exploration (if at all). In this report we share students' takeaways from the…

In this note, I argue for and discuss my experiences with explicitly incorporating principles of critical and creative thinking in a transitions course which serves mathematics, mathematics education, and statistics majors. I describe several specific assignments and classroom tasks designed to enhance critical and creative thinking. I also…