Challenges And Innovations In Teaching Linear Algebra
- Conference
- Location
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Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Publication Date
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June 22, 2008
- Start Date
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June 22, 2008
- End Date
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June 25, 2008
- ISSN
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2153-5965
- Conference Session
- Tagged Division
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Mathematics
- Page Count
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9
- Page Numbers
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13.284.1 - 13.284.9
- DOI
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10.18260/1-2--4405
- Permanent URL
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https://peer.asee.org/4405
- Download Count
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1994
Paper Authors
Martha Allen Georgia College & State University
Dr. Martha Allen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics at Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville, Georgia. She received her Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of South Carolina in 2001. She was selected as a 2001-2002 Project NExT National Fellow. Project NExT (New Experiences in Teaching) is a Mathematical Association of America program for new or recent Ph.D.s in mathematics. Dr. Allen is currently serving as co-director of the MAA's Southeastern Section NExT program. In 2005, Dr. Allen was the recipient of the university-wide Excellence in Teaching Award at Georgia College & State University.
Amy Kelley Georgia College & State University
Dr. Amy Kelley is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics at Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville, Georgia. She received an M.A. in mathematics from Boston College in 1997 and a Ph.D. in mathematics from the State University of New York at Albany in 2004. She has also been employed as an Operations Research Analyst at Mitre Corporation in Bedford, Massachusetts. More recently, she was selected as a 2005-2006 Project NExT National Fellow. Project NExT (New Experiences in Teaching) is a Mathematical Association of America program for new or recent Ph.D.s in mathematics.
Abstract
NOTE: The first page of text has been automatically extracted and included below in lieu of an abstract
Challenges and Innovations in Teaching Linear Algebra
Abstract
A solid grounding in linear algebra is essential in many fields of engineering. As a result, at our institution, linear algebra is a required course for our pre-engineering majors and is taught at the sophomore level. The students enrolled in this course have not usually had a proof methods course; however, the course focuses not only on computation but also on reasoning and theory. The content in this course presents a specific challenge in that it is difficult to cover the required material in one semester while at the same time devoting a sufficient amount of class time for homework questions and in-depth problem solving. In addition, it is difficult to develop test questions that can be completed within one class period while adequately assessing the students’ skills in problem solving. Further, homework collection and grading can become burdensome very quickly. Collectively, these challenges can reduce the course’s effectiveness in teaching students to properly apply linear algebra in solving real-world problems and can make it difficult for the instructor to evaluate student progress and provide timely feedback.
In this paper, we describe some of the challenges particular to teaching linear algebra as well as specific methods and techniques that we have used to help meet these challenges. We will describe some of the pedagogical innovations that we have employed in teaching linear algebra. These innovations include writing assignments in the form of student journals and class activities geared toward team-formation and enhancing student participation and learning. We will also discuss techniques, including using rubrics and brief writing assignments, used to evaluate students’ understanding of linear algebra concepts. We will conclude with a discussion of the benefits, drawbacks and effectiveness of each of these methods in meeting the challenges associated with teaching linear algebra.
Introduction
The topics and techniques of linear algebra are especially important for engineering majors, mathematics majors, chemistry majors, and computer science majors. Engineering, chemistry, and computer science majors have an inherent need for an understanding of the practical applications of the theory in a particular discipline. In fact, many of the ABET program criteria specifically list the knowledge and application of linear algebra as a necessary skill.1 In addition to applications, the theory and mathematical reasoning skills developed in an introductory linear algebra course will be invaluable to math majors as they progress to more proof oriented content courses.
At Georgia College & State University, there are approximately 110 mathematics majors. Roughly half of these majors are enrolled in the pre-engineering program. This program is a transfer program offered in conjunction with The Georgia Institute of Technology. The pre-engineering majors complete first and second year math courses at Georgia College & State University (GCSU). The linear algebra course at GCSU is taught at the sophomore level, and it is a required course for the pre-engineering, mathematics, and computer science majors. Occasionally, majors in other disciplines such chemistry, economics, and middle grades education
Allen, M., & Kelley, A. (2008, June), Challenges And Innovations In Teaching Linear Algebra Paper presented at 2008 Annual Conference & Exposition, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 10.18260/1-2--4405
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