Collegiate Transitions to Proving: National and Local Approaches

Across the nation, many undergraduate students majoring in mathematics experience significant difficulty in learning to prove mathematical propositions, a cornerstone of mathematical practice important for future study in mathematics or the pursuit of mathematics-intensive careers. Mathematics departments have recognized this problem and experimented with different curricular and instructional approaches to supporting students’ entry into proof, including courses dedicated to this transition. We will discuss our preliminary investigations into understanding the issues that students, instructors and departments face at this critical juncture, both locally and nationally.

About the Speakers:

Mariana Levin: Assistant professor of mathematics education in the Department of Mathematics at Western Michigan University

Jack Smith: Professor of Educational Psychology and Educational Technology (EPET) and a member of the Mathematics Education Faculty Group at Michigan State University

Aaron Levin: Assistant professor of mathematics at Michigan State University

Audiences: General Public, College of Education Faculty, Staff, and Students

Sponsors: College of Natural Science (Program in Mathematics Education), CREATE for STEM Institute