In this talk, I will provide an overview of some of the pivotal moments in my research trajectory focused on student understanding and learning in introductory group theory. The talk will include some large-scale results documenting the ways students reason about fundamental concepts related to functions and algebraic structures and key results from follow-up studies deconstructing necessary understandings to support success in group theory. This work laid the foundation for making changes in the classroom ultimately requiring attention to not just cognitive and instructional, but also participatory and equity-oriented components of classroom environments. I will share some stories reflecting the ways that this work required moving beyond just “good tasks” and conclude with some sneak peaks of newer projects aimed at opening up the advanced undergraduate proof base courses to create more inclusivity.
Colloquium
Thursday, March 23
4:30pm
WXLR 021
Kate Melhuish
Associate Professor
Texas State University