Abstract of article: Traditionally, group theory is taught using the "theorem-proof-example" format. Although this method of presentation is very satisfying to mathematicians, many students have difficulty learning the concepts with this approach. In this paper, I will describe how my use of the software package Exploring Small Groups transformed my abstract algebra classroom. The materials I developed, which reflect my desire to have the classroom be a creative learning environment for my students, have been published by the Mathematical Association of America as the volume Laboratory Experiences in Group Theory.
About the author: Ellen Maycock (formerly Ellen Maycock Parker) studied group theory as an undergraduate at Wellesley College and returned to this early interest when she wrote Laboratory Experiences in Group Theory, published by the Mathematical Association of America in 1996. She studied algebraic topology as a graduate student and completed an M.S. and Ph.D. at Purdue University, writing a dissertation in the area of operator algebras. She taught at Purdue, Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis, and Wellesley before joining the faculty of DePauw University, where she is now Professor of Mathematics. She is energized by teaching interdisciplinary courses and is currently working on a non-mathematical book entitled In Search of Her Mother's Paris. She enjoys being the mother of two children, and in-line skates for fun and exercise.
Software used: Exploring Small Groups
Links mentioned in article: GAP software
Related links: Exploring Small Groups is bundled with the book Laboratory Experiences in Group Theory, which can be found at the MAA Bookstore.