PROCEEDINGS OF THE 19TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON RESEARCH IN UNDERGRADUATE MATHEMATICS EDUCATION
2016
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Students’ symmetric ability in relation to their use and preference for symmetry heuristics in problemsolving
Page: 1164
Advanced mathematical problem solving is marked by efficient and fluid use of multiple solution strategies. Symmetric arguments are apt heuristics and eminently useful in mathematics and science fields. Research suggests that mathematics proficiency is correlated with spatial reasoning. We define symmetric ability as fluency with mentally visualizing, manipulating, and making comparisons among 2D objects under rotation and reflection. We hypothesize that symmetric ability is a distinct sub-ability of spatial reasoning which is more accessible to students due to inherent cultural biases for symmetric balance. Do students with varying levels of symmetric ability use or prefer symmetric arguments in problem solving? How does symmetric ability relate to insight in problem solving? Results from a pilot study indicate that, among undergraduates, there is high variation in symmetric ability. Further, students with higher symmetric ability tend towards more positive attitudes about mathematics. Methods, future research, and implications are discussed.