Teaching and learning group theory

Abstract algebra is an important course in the undergraduate mathematics curriculum. For some undergraduates, abstract algebra is the first mathematics course in which they must move beyond learning templates and procedures for solving common classes of problems (Dubinsky, Dautermann, Leron, and Zazkis, 1994). For most undergraduates, this course is one of their earliest experiences in coping with the difficult notions of mathematical abstraction and formal proof. Empirical research studies attest to students' difficulties in abstract algebra; these studies have shown that many students do not understand fundamental concepts in group theory (e.g., Leron, Hazzan, and Zazkis, 1995; Asiala, Dubinsky, Mathews, Morics, and Oktac, 1997) and have difficulty writing proofs in a group theoretic context (e.g., Selden and Selden, 1987; Selden & Selden, this volume; Hart, 1994; Weber, 2001; Harel & Brown, this volume) after completing an abstract algebra course. The purpose of this chapter is to use the research literature to illustrate some of undergraduates' difficulties in group theory, the primary content area in most abstract algebra courses, and to describe alternative forms of pedagogy that may be useful in overcoming these difficulties. Undergraduates' Difficulties in Group Theory: In this section, we present four episodes that illustrate undergraduates' difficulties in understanding and reasoning about concepts in group theory. We will begin each section by presenting an excerpt from a clinical interview in which undergraduates were asked to describe a concept in group theory or complete a group theoretic task.