A Reflection on Teaching Mathematical Proofs to First-Year Undergraduates

A Reflection on Teaching Mathematical Proofs to First-Year Undergraduates

Year:    2022

Author:    Shu Zhang, Shengxin Zhu

Innovative Teaching and Learning , Vol. 4 (2022), Iss. 1 : pp. 74–94

Abstract

Writing a mathematical proof is an essential skill for qualified science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students, especially those majoring in mathematics, data science, artificial intelligence (AI), and computer science. However, many first-year students complain that it is tremendously difficult for them to learn mathematics well, particularly mathematics proofs. New teaching staff are also often frustrated during their first couple of years of teaching undergraduates mathematics, wondering why something so seemingly simple is so difficult to teach. Although most universities have experienced this problem, there has been little deep reflection and investigation on why learning of mathematical proofs is so difficult for first-year undergraduates and how to mitigate such difficulties. The aim of this paper is to fill such a gap by reflections and investigation which focus on the recognition and learning of the mathematical proof process.

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Journal Article Details

Publisher Name:    Global Science Press

Language:    English

DOI:    https://doi.org/10.4208/itl.20220105

Innovative Teaching and Learning , Vol. 4 (2022), Iss. 1 : pp. 74–94

Published online:    2022-01

AMS Subject Headings:    Global Science Press

Copyright:    COPYRIGHT: © Global Science Press

Pages:    21

Keywords:    formal proof transition beliefs academic performance undergraduate mathematics.

Author Details

Shu Zhang

Shengxin Zhu