Teachers' Teaching and Students' Attempts in Mathematical Proof and the Proving Process in Abstract Algebra

Abstract

Proof has been considered a fundamental part of mathematical practice science from ancient times. It was introduced into the mathematics curriculum long ago and has been given an important status in teaching Euclidean geometry. There have been lots of attempts to improve students' learning of mathematical proof. If mathematical proof is given such recognition, it can help in scientific development of a society such as Nigeria in her quest for positive change, and can give a people a good name such as the one Nigeria looks forward to. However students have serious difficulties in learning proof. In such way, the researchers decided to conduct a study on ‘An investigation into teachers' teaching and students' attempt in answering questions in mathematical proof and the proving process in Abstract Algebra'. The study was conducted among mathematics students in universities in North West geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The study revealed that only 38% of Abstract Algebra questions had proof aspect, the rest were in other areas like analysis or practice. About 77.6 % of students answered questions relating to proofs. This is encouraging. More students attempted proof questions in Algebra 1 with 80.1% than they did in Algebra 2 with 75.2%.  Conclusion was made in line with these finding and recommendations were also given.