Commentary: Abstract Algebra Projects

 

            I often give students some direction in finding projects, since it’s often hard for them to gauge the mathematical difficulty of a project.  I generally give them references, as I’d rather they spend time learning the math than trying to find appropriate references (plus, I have a more useful collection of math books than our library does, unfortunately).  I sometimes have students propose their own rubrics for the projects (see handout).  Most students in the class are future teachers, and I like them to think about assessment. 

            This particular Abstract Algebra course is an elective in our “Math/Science” major.  Students do not have the background that math majors at most colleges would have before taking abstract algebra, so I focus on accessible, often more concrete topics.  7/05.

 

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