Pedagogical Strategies to Enhance Learning in a Linear Algebra Course

Abstract

In this study, we evaluate an innovative method to improve the teaching of linear algebra. The use of peer instruction in conjunction with a seminar strategy and supported by didactic engineering is proposed as a means to facilitate the mastery of abstract concepts, the undertaking of innovative research in problem solving, and the practical application of educational concepts. To assess the method’s effectiveness, the Students’ Evaluation of Educational Quality (SEEQ) questionnaire was administered and assessed. In addition, to determine whether this new teaching approach leads to better learning results than the traditional method, a comparison between control and experimental groups was conducted. The results indicate that the mixed method creates a more dynamic learning environment for students than the traditional method, contributes to students’ development of social interaction skills and learning process. In sum, the proposed method has been shown to enhance student motivation and reflection, which are critical to a productive, collaborative learning environment that directly impacts academic retention and performance.

KEYWORDS:

• Linear algebra
• peer instruction
• seminar strategy
• SEEQ

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Katiuscia Costa Barros Teixeira

Katiuscia Costa Barros Teixeira obtained B.S. and M.S. degrees in Mathematics from Universidade Federal do Ceará, Brazil (1999 and 2001) and M.S. degree in Financial Mathematics from University of Texas at Austin (2005). She obtained her Ph.D. degree in Teleinformatics Engineering with focus on Mathematics Education in August 2016. From 2005 to 2008 she served the Department of Mathematics at Rutgers University as a Lecturer; from 2009 to 2016 an Assistant Professor and Pedagogical Adviser at Universidade de Fortaleza in Brazil. Currently she is an Assistant Professor at University of Central Florida. Her research interests include methodologies for teaching mathematics to engineering students, educational assessment, and mathematics education.