RUME 26
2024
Omaha, Nebraska
Mathematics Engagement in College Precalculus: Understanding Students’ Experiences Through a Graphing Elicitation Tool
Page: 1383
Engagement is an important contributor to college students’ success. In recent efforts to improve instruction in gatekeeper courses like college Precalculus, mathematics instructors across the US are striving to engage all learners by implementing various forms of active learning in their classrooms. However, it is not always clear how students themselves experience the phenomenon of mathematics engagement. This poster presents a qualitative approach for inquiring into college students’ lived experiences of engagement in their Precalculus course using a graphing elicitation tool together with interviewing methods of hermeneutic phenomenology. During the poster session, conference attendees will be able to view sample participant graphs, learn about the benefits of the method, and discuss insights into Precalculus students’ mathematics engagement. Although mathematics engagement is a complex dynamic construct, the proposed research method offers an approach that can paint a more nuanced picture of the phenomenon, while simultaneously bringing forth students’ voices and experiences.