JUANA DE SMET

 

Major: Mathematics and Psychology

 

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Hamide Dogan-Dunlap, Mathematics
University
of Texas in El Paso, El Paso, Texas

Sponsored by: Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation

 

"Concept Maps in Mathematics: with Emphasis on Slope."

 

     This investigation was implemented during the summer of 2002 in college level Mathematics courses.  The purpose of this study was to examine the possible correlations between concept maps and student success rates. This particular concept map involves a central theme and two traits.  The concept maps are developed by students and analyzed in the three ways.  Data was collected from two courses, which used the same methods of instruction, a total of three times through out the course.  Two claims investigated by this research are that (1) the success rate is determined by the percentage of maintained initial relations and (2) low success rates are reflected by the dominating attribute of new additions.  Overall, findings suggest a strong correlation with concept maps and student success rates, also implied is the validity of concept maps as assessment tools supporting traditional methods for student learning/achievements in mathematics.