Moving Beyond Solving for “ x ”: Teaching Abstract Algebra in a Liberal Arts Mathematics Course.

This paper details an inquiry-based approach for teaching the basic notions of rings and fields to liberal arts mathematics students. The task sequence seeks to encourage students to identify and comprehend core concepts of introductory abstract algebra by thinking like mathematicians; that is, by investigating an open-ended mathematical context, identifying patterns, and venturing conjectures. A sequence of open-ended instructional tasks that aim to capitalize on students’ prior experiences with equation solving is provided along with notes and sample student responses for prospective instructors. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]