Many people find that solving story problems is challenging. A key source of the difficulty is symbolizing problem situations. In two experiments, we tested whether diagrams promoted successful symbolization of two-operator story problems, and we tested whether diagrams that depicted the integration of operations were more beneficial than diagrams…

Large language models (LLMs) offer an opportunity to make large-scale changes to educational content that would otherwise be too costly to implement. The work here highlights how LLMs (in particular GPT-4) can be prompted to revise educational math content ready for large scale deployment in real-world learning environments. We tested the ability…

To address the disconnect and bridge the gap between mathematics and science education, we developed interdisciplinary lessons and real-world applications by integrating Algebra 1 and Biology in a collaborative cohort model. We aim to improve student engagement, knowledge transfer, and performance on assessments in both disciplines. The…

As technology tools, such as MyOpenMath, MyLab Math, RStudio, and Python become increasingly integrated into college-level mathematics instruction, it is essential to understand how students perceive and interact with these platforms. Many students struggle with confidence using computers and anxiety, which can hinder their ability to fully engage…

A growing body of research suggests that children's understanding of mathematical language is critical for their mathematical abilities. Most of this work has been restricted to single language learners (i.e., SLLs), and used dual language learners (i.e., DLLs) as an exclusion criterion, raising questions about the generalizability of these…

The narrative permeating higher education institutions globally is the intention to advance the quality of preservice mathematics teachers to gain better performance than mathematics school learners. In this article we report on a qualitative case study which explored the pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) of preservice teachers (PST) (n = 20) at…

The gender gap in mathematics achievement has been shown to cause a discrepancy for women in higher-earning mathematics and science-related professions. This study aimed to determine the relationship between high school students' perceptions of teacher support in their mathematics classes, gender, and academic success. A self-report instrument…

This study aims to develop an evaluation framework to assess the mathematical deductive reasoning competence (MDRC) of eighth-grade students in China based on Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) and Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). The framework includes four dimensions of MDRC: cognitive level,…

In real-world settings, vision language models (VLMs) should robustly handle naturalistic, noisy visual content as well as domain-specific language and concepts. For example, K-12 educators using digital learning platforms may need to examine and provide feedback across many images of students' math work. To assess the potential of VLMs to support…

The purpose of this dissertation was to extend the literature base for teaching students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) mathematics and self-determination skills using an evidence-based practice called modified schema-based instruction (MSBI). Chapter one provides the rationale for teaching both mathematics and…

A quantitative literacy course titled "Computational Geology" has been taught at the University of South Florida for over 20 years at the undergraduate level, largely by the same professor. Due to the extended course tenure, a unique opportunity presented itself to qualitatively study what the perceived broader impacts of the course were…

States and school districts endeavoring to improve learning outcomes for young children typically focus on literacy, not math. Math is often overlooked in improvement initiatives, and it gets far less instructional time than literacy in preschool and the early grades. While literacy skills are unquestionably critical, so are math skills. Math…

We discuss two proof evaluation activities meant to promote the acquisition of learning behaviors of professional mathematics within an introductory undergraduate proof-writing course. These learning behaviors include the ability to read and discuss mathematics critically, reach a consensus on correctness and clarity as a group, and verbalize what…

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of a digital game designed within the framework of hierarchic interactionalism theory on the development of the concept of area in secondary school students. The digital game used in this study was designed after being influenced by the preliminary concepts and skills related to the concept of area…

Procedural flexibility is an important skill for algebra. Although prior work has focused on measuring students' procedural flexibility using arithmetic problems, word problems may also capture students' flexibility because of their open-ended nature. To date, no published study has examined the use of word problems as another measure of…