Data from a group of six students who participated in a study, which investigated the impact using concept maps and Vee diagrams (maps/diagrams) has on learning and understanding new advanced mathematics topics, is presented. Constructing comprehensive topic concept maps, and Vee diagrams of problems as ongoing exercises throughout the semester was a requirement of the study. Students quickly found that learning about the new tools and a new topic was demanding. However, they also found that the concurrent use of the two tools in learning a new topic contributed substantively in highlighting the close correspondence between the conceptual structure of the topic and its methods. Having students display their developing understanding and knowledge on maps/diagrams greatly facilitated discussions, critiques, dialogues and communications during seminar presentations and one-on-one consultations. Maps/diagrams were qualitatively assessed three times during the study period. It was found that there was noticeable growth in students’ in-depth understanding of topics as indicated by increased valid propositions and structural complexity of concept maps, and multiplicity of methods and suitability of guiding theoretical principles on Vee diagrams. The chapter discusses the results and provides implications for teaching mathematics particularly for promoting meaningful learning and effective problem solving in mathematics classrooms.
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Afamasaga-Fuata’i, K. (2009). Enhancing Undergraduate Mathematics Learning Using Concept Maps and Vee Diagrams. In: Afamasaga-Fuata'i, K. (eds) Concept Mapping in Mathematics. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-89194-1_12
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