The focus of this study was to examine the effect of teaching based on inquiry-based learning versus traditional learning on mathematics achievement scores of undergraduate students enrolled in a college algebra class in a university classified as a Predominantly Black Institution. A college algebra course was chosen in this study due to the…

This study compares the effects of student-centred teaching methods, teacher-centred methods, and teacher-student interactive methods on students' mathematics academic achievement. For this purpose, calculus, compound interest, annuities, and depreciation topics were taught to first-year college students in three different groups: traditional…

The authors describe their approach to teaching a course on finite fields and combinatorial applications, including block designs and error-correcting codes, using a hybrid of lectures and active learning. Under the discussed classroom model, there are two lecture days and two discovery-based discussion days each week. Discussions center around…

While recordings of lectures proved invaluable for students' learning during the pandemic, as our university transitioned back to in-person teaching there was a call from many lecturers to remove the requirement to provide lecture recordings due to the perceived negative impact on attendance. To examine in detail the relationship between…

This study examined the extent to which college algebra instructors employ pedagogical practices previously found to assist students master difficult STEM content material and address their own previous math deficits. Faculty classroom behaviors were assessed with a modified version of the Generalized Observation and Reflection Platform (GORP).…

Lectures are a commonly used teaching method in higher education, but there is significant debate about the relative merits of different classroom practices. Various classroom observation tools have been developed to try to give insight into these practices, beyond the simple dichotomy of "traditional lecturing versus active learning".…

In this note, we describe a large-scale transition to an active learning format in first-semester calculus at the University of Florida. Student performance and attitudes are compared across traditional lecture and flipped sections.

While proof is often presented to mathematics undergraduates as a well-defined mathematical object, the proofs students encounter in different pedagogical contexts may bear salient differences. In this paper we draw on the work of Dawkins and Weber (2017) to explore variations in norms and values underlying a proof across different pedagogical…

College algebra has been noted as a critical course in post-secondary institutions because it serves as a gateway for major selection and college completion. Combinatorial topics like repeatable permutations are often overlooked in K-12 and undergraduate curricula. Likewise, students' achievement and motivation are affected by the type of…

This paper reports findings from a case study of the impact that teaching using guided notes has on university mathematics students' note-taking behaviour. Whereas previous research indicates that students do not appreciate the importance of lecturers' non-written comments and record in their notes only what is written on the board when taught…

Background: In the US, there is significant interest from policy boards and funding agencies to change students' experiences in undergraduate mathematics classes. Even with these reform initiatives, researchers continue to document that lecture remains the dominant mode of instruction in US undergraduate mathematics courses. However, we have…

Prior research acknowledges the need to further develop undergraduate mathematics instruction. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between instructional design and quality of learning. This quantitative study approaches the learning environment by comparing students' approaches to learning, self-efficacy, and experiences of…

We were interested in exploring the extent to which advanced mathematics lecturers provide students with opportunities to play a role in considering or generating course content. To do this, we examined the questioning practices of 11 lecturers who taught advanced mathematics courses at the university level. Because we are unaware of other studies…

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…

Large lecture halls are a common feature of many undergraduate mathematics programs. However, teaching effectively in a large lecture hall can be challenging. This paper discusses the use of personal whiteboards for students as a way to make large lecture halls a more productive learning environment. I discuss the logistics of using whiteboards,…