An algebraic model uses a set of algebraic equations to describe a situation. Constructing such models is a fundamental skill, but many students still lack the skill, even after taking several algebra courses in high school and college. For such students, we developed instruction that taught students to decompose the to-be-modelled situation into…

The challenge posed by algebra story problems creates a significant hurdle for many students, transcending both the mathematical content of the problem and the specific instructional background received. This study offers a distinctive contribution to the existing literature by focusing on the cognitive conditions essential for comprehension in…

Appropriate placement into courses at postsecondary institutions is critical for the success of students in terms of retention and graduation rates. To reduce the number of students who are misplaced, using multiple measures in placing students is encouraged. However, in practice most postsecondary schools utilize only a few measures to determine…

From the socio-critical perspective of mathematical modeling, reflexive discussions about the nature, criteria, and consequences of mathematical models are not a natural consequence of modeling in school. This report is part of a larger study focused on stimulating reflexive discussions in practice employing constructivist grounded theory as a…

The study aimed to investigate the effect of the flipped classroom strategy based on ADDIE Model on Prince Faisal College students' development of algebraic thinking skills. To achieve the goal of the study, the researchers developed a measure of development of algebraic thinking skills. The study used the quasi-experimental approach with a…

This scholarly inquiry critically examines the pedagogical aspects pertaining to the instruction and acquisition of Abstract Algebra within the realm of University Mathematics Education (UME). Drawing upon multiple lenses, including epistemological, cognitive, phenomenological, and institutional perspectives, this study investigates the formidable…

Several studies related to mathematics understanding found that many undergraduate students lack some basic knowledge of algebra. They memorized only a few topics, formulas, and algorithms without understanding them conceptually, even though they could manipulate those limited number of points correctly or incorrectly. In comparison, most…

Our study aims to determine how Habermas' construct of rationality can serve to identify and interpret the difficulties experienced by university students in the mathematical problem-solving process. To this end, a problem which required modelling and solving a differential equation was used. The problem-solving processes of university students…

Introductory mathematics courses at postsecondary institutions simultaneously function as gateways and gatekeepers to degrees and careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) for historically minoritized and marginalized students. While these courses provide access to higher education, they also thwart student STEM pathways…

NP-complete problems such as the traveling salesman problem (TSP) play a prominent role in most advanced undergrad/graduate courses in discrete optimization modeling. Teaching such an important topic from a purely mathematical perspective without discussing specific applications may result in reduced student interest and motivation. The DeLand…

In an effort to make math courses more relevant and improve success rates in college math, various organizations and colleges developed a new model of math education that has come to be called "math pathways." Math pathways enable students to take different paths through the math curriculum, depending on their course of study. With math…

We present a new learning activity that enables students to apply eigenvalue theory to investigate a practical modeling problem. We demonstrate how to build a spring-coupled pair of pendula and describe how students can measure the movements of these pendula using open-source image processing software. We then illustrate how to analyze this…

Low success rates in developmental mathematics courses have caused a growing concern for many institutions including moderately selective four-year universities. As a result, institutions have adopted various course redesign models, such as the emporium and replacement models, which take advantage of interactive online learning tools. Though these…

The traditional mathematics pre-requisite model creates obstacles for pre-service educators by increasing the number of semesters to graduation. Extended time results in additional financial burdens for students in developmental courses along with increased risk of student drop out. Education majors, with little or no room for electives in their…

Successful algebraic problem solving entails adaptability of solution methods using different representations. Prior research has suggested that students are more likely to prefer symbolic solution methods (equations) over graphical ones, even when graphical methods should be more efficient. However, this research has not tested how representation…