Linear algebra students are typically introduced to the problem of how to convert from one coordinate system to another in a very abstract way. Often, two bases for a given vector space are provided, and students are taught how to determine a transition matrix to be used for changing coordinates. If students are successful in memorizing this…

As an often recommended but under-utilized pedagogical strategy, writing in mathematics has many benefits for students. However, creating and grading worthwhile writing projects can be more time-consuming than utilizing more traditional forms of assessment. This paper provides a concrete example of a writing project prompt, questions, directions,…

In many post-secondary, introductory mathematics courses failure and withdrawal rates are reaching as high as 50% and average GPA is steadily decreasing. This is a problem that has been witnessed across the globe. With widespread reforms taking place in K-12 mathematics education, many innovative teaching strategies have been created, implemented,…

Describes the senior seminar in mathematics at Hood College which is a course in the history of mathematics. It is a student-led seminar with students gaining practice in oral presentation, preparing visual aids, and planning a class. (Author/MM)

Describes an activity designed to help students develop a good foundation from the beginning of the transition from multivariate calculus to linear algebra. (MM)

Describes a game in which students are rewarded for catching a certain number of mistakes made by their teacher in a semester. Discusses the larger underlying principles that are worth independent consideration. (Author/MM)