Change of Settings and Row-Reduction Process in Undergraduate Linear Algebra (Cancelled)

Authors

Lance Burger, Mathematics Education Candidate, Oregon State University

Document Type

Presentation Abstract

Presentation Date

3-16-2007

Abstract

Since the formation of the Linear Algebra Curriculum Study Group in 1990, there has been considerable interest in studying the teaching and learning of undergraduate linear algebra. This talk outlines a dissertation aimed at understanding how undergraduate linear algebra students are often able to implement a computational algorithm such as row-reduction, but later encounter great difficulty with changes in context. The talk will discuss the research question in the context of constructivist encapsulation theories, as well as a methodological framework influenced by work done in experimental psychology. Emerging results concerning the Gaussian elimination algorithm in different settings will be presented; which describe relevant procedural and conceptual links in connection with Piaget’s (1989) notion of "reflective abstraction," as well as suggest an extension of Tall’s notion of the procept.

Additional Details

This presentation was cancelled.

Friday, 16 March 2007
4:10 p.m. in Math 109

Recommended Citation

Burger, Lance, "Change of Settings and Row-Reduction Process in Undergraduate Linear Algebra (Cancelled)" (2007). Colloquia of the Department of Mathematical Sciences. 243.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/mathcolloquia/243