Mathematics Education Seminar • Levelling the Playing Field: Research in The Classroom

Dr. Mohamed Omar
Harvey Mudd College

Toward the end of an undergraduate degree, especially at an institution with many students in technical majors, students tend to form a perception of their mathematical/technical prowess and abilities. However, this perception is usually based on markers that do not come close to adequately reflecting the mathematical process as it is practiced by mathematicians.

In this talk, we present an experiment performed in a 300–400 level class that allowed students to think and act like mathematicians while learning material. We talk about the transformative experiences students had through this process and how it re-shaped their identity as mathematicians.