Collaborative Research: Supporting Mathematical Instruction around Definitions through Values-Centered Collaboration

Principal Investigators: Kristen Vroom (MSU), Rachel Rupnow (NIU)

Students: (for now…): Seth Ricarte (MSU graduate researcher), Mic Mieczkowski (NIU undergraduate researcher)

Funding: NSF 

Dates: October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2027

Abstract:  Despite many research-based innovations to improve undergraduate mathematics instruction by prioritizing non-lecture-based approaches, lecturing is still the predominant form of instruction. This is likely because lecturing meets instructors’ goals, including content coverage, preparing future mathematicians, precision and language, and efficiency. The Collaborative Research: Supporting Mathematical Instruction around Definitions through Values-Centered Collaboration project takes a novel approach to improving undergraduate instruction by centering mathematics instructors through collaboration to improve their lectures. We focus on teaching the norms and values of definitions, as definitions are fundamental across different undergraduate courses and have been identified as an area needing improvement. The project draws on a range of qualitative methods, including focus groups, classroom observations, interviews, and surveys with instructors and students paired with design research to address four aims: 

1. Characterize instructors’ norms and values around definitions and determine barriers and supports in communicating to students.
2. Characterize instructional moves that communicate specific norms and values.
3. Examine the relationship between the norms and values communicated in instruction and what students take away from courses including their views of mathematics.
4. Develop a toolkit to assist instructors in enacting practices that support their mathematical values.