Undergraduate Abstract Algebra Research Articles

Including School Mathematics Teaching Applications in an Undergraduate Abstract Algebra Course

We describe the design and implementation of lessons in undergraduate abstract algebra that integrate applications to teaching high school mathematics. Each lesson consists of a pre-activity, class activity, homework set, assessment questions and detailed instructor notes. The included applications intend to bridge advanced mathematics concepts to secondary school mathematics content for prospective secondary mathematics teachers, as well as provide instructors with a useful resource. Each lesson includes four guiding features: addressing meaningful content; making connections to mathematics teaching; emphasizing active learning; and providing comprehensive notes for instructors. Interviews with instructors and their students document how the instructors adapted the lessons to their classrooms and how the lessons influenced undergraduates' mathematical understanding.