We investigated understanding of the linear independence concept based on the type and nature of connections displayed in seven non-mathematics majors' interview responses to a set of open-ended questions. Through a qualitative analysis, we identified six categories of frequently displayed connections. There were also recognizable differences in…

To a student in introductory physics, using vectors is at best an exercise in bookkeeping. A two-dimensional kinematics problem effectively doubles the number of equations that a student must know, and invites the student to memorize factoids: "The horizontal motion is constant," "Gravity is only in the y-direction," etc. Force…

This study analyses a standards-based textbook series to investigate how slope is presented across seven sequential textbooks in a secondary mathematics curriculum. Analysis of the expository content across the textbooks shows that slope is covered in all seven books, is frequently described as a "Constant Parameter" or…

An important line of research related to the resolution of word problems is the study of the cognitive processes involved when subjects translate problems into the language of algebra. One of the most common errors in problem-solving is the reversal error (RE), which occurs when students reverse the relationship between two variables when…

Background: Supporting students during collaborative learning in mathematics is challenging for teachers. We developed the Small-Group Scaffolding Tool (SGS-Tool) to assist teachers regarding how and when to offer support. The tool is based on three characteristics of scaffolding small groups at the group level: contingency to the…

In this study, it was aimed to investigate 4-to-6-year-old children's reasoning skills appearing in pattern tasks. 55 children studying in the classes of four different pre-school classes participated in the study. A classroom teaching experiment was conducted to examine the development of children's reasoning skills in pattern tasks. Both…

In this paper we consider implications of the current world-wide inclusion of computational thinking in relation to children's development of algebraic thinking. Little is known about how newly developed visual programming environments such as Scratch could enhance early algebra learning. The study is based on examples of programming activities…

This study employs the 4-parameter logistic item response theory model to account for the unexpected incorrect responses or slipping effects observed in a large-scale Algebra 1 End-of-Course assessment, including several innovative item formats. It investigates whether modeling the misfit at the upper asymptote has any practical impact on the…

For students to be successful in future mathematics classes, mathematics teachers must be able to help students decipher content in Algebra I, the foundation of higher mathematics. Research on vocabulary in the math classroom shows there are multiple ways to represent vocabulary and reading comprehension. The research question, which focused on…

Critics of developmental studies suggest that remedial courses may negatively influence a student's program selection, persistence, and completion because remedial classes do not count toward graduation requirements (Long & Boatman, 2013). They have also found that over half of the students referred to remediation do not complete the courses…

An alternating treatments design was used to analyze the effects of concrete and virtual manipulatives on the duration and number of correctly solved linear equations by three middle school students with cognitive disabilities. Participants physically manipulated algebra tiles to solve an equation during the concrete manipulative condition. During…

ChatGPT was a learning revolution known as an online program for learning Algebra; it changed what we knew about the teaching medium and molded the learning platform into a more engaging way of teaching. This research determines the use of ChatGPT in addressing math anxiety and promoting the confidence of college students enrolled in algebra at a…

In mathematics education, students are repeatedly confronted with the tasks of interpreting and relating different representations. In particular, switching between equations and diagrams plays a major role in learning mathematical procedures and solving mathematical problems. In this article, we investigate a rather unexplored topic with…

In tertiary mathematics courses, students often have difficulties acquiring an understanding of the mathematical concepts covered. One approach to address this problem is to implement so-called Concept-Tests. These are multiple-choice questions whose distractors represent common problems and misconceptions related to the concepts. While there…

The goal of this study is to identify the multiple ways in which instructors take advantage of a feature designed into university textbooks that seeks to invite students to get acquainted with the content prior to attending the class in which such content will be discussed. We present an analysis of teacher instrumentation of this feature, which…