RUME 26
2024
Omaha, Nebraska
Supporting Mathematical Connections Between Abstract Algebra and Secondary Mathematics for Preservice Teachers
Page: 1290
This poster focuses on the results from the second stage of a larger qualitative study designed to identify the mathematical connections preservice teachers make between abstract algebra and secondary school mathematics and explore what tasks and activities help them form those connections. Mathematical tasks involving secondary mathematics content were implemented as part of the curriculum in an abstract algebra course with undergraduate and graduate students. Six undergraduate students with interests in mathematics teaching at the secondary level and a graduate student with secondary teaching experience were the main participants of the study. Through the instructional tasks and additional interviews, all seven participants were able to see mathematical connections between abstract algebra and secondary school mathematics. Results suggest that abstract algebra faculty can support preservice teachers in abstract algebra by simply providing opportunities throughout the course for them to explicitly explore connections.