Mathematics Education Research
Mathematics education research is a burgeoning branch of mathematical science that investigates mathematics teaching and learning. In order to solve the mathematical education research issues, it employs both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. Mathematical education, according to Hagman (2017), is a large field with varying sorts of mathematics done with different people. Furthermore, mathematics students have a variety of learning opportunities. Mathematics education research topics can aid in determining effective teaching methods as a result of internal and external influences.
Categories of Mathematical Education Research
Mathematical education research is divided into two categories: pure research and applied research. Nevertheless, other classifications are based on the learner demographic and content area. Pure research focuses on solving problems while applied research is conducted without any practical end use in mind. Although some research is done without application, some are still useful in understanding the issue in mathematics instructions (Hagman, 2017). Hagman (2017) points out that pure research provides an understanding of mathematical thinking while applied research utilizes the understanding to help improve the mathematical instructions. However, pure investigations are more relevant in concrete settings. Moreover, it focuses on the cognitive structures while applied seeks to improve the instructions.
RUME and SoTL
RUME and SoTL are examples of bodies that make use of pure and applied mathematics to give a better understanding of mathematical instructions. However, the two bodies have overlapping interests. Through the use of substantiated claims, better researchers can make their audience gain a better understanding of the research problems. Hagman (2017) adds that there is a need to identify the research questions, their scope, and help establish the underlying key issues.
Theories and Evaluation
Mathematical education research utilizes the theory of learning from psychology and other fields in explaining the relations. The theories may be made explicit to explain the phenomenon. Due to the differences in goals and expectations, theories may be implicitly or explicitly applied. Due to variations in the definitions, researchers may ask different questions using different approaches. Depending on the goal of research, mathematical education researchers may develop different tests to evaluate different mathematical instructions.
Reference
Hagman, Ellis. (2017, June 26th). What is Math-Ed Research All About? As Explained by a Muggle in a Math Department [Blog Post].American Mathematical Society. Retrieved from: https://blogs.ams.org/matheducation/2017/06/26/what-is-math-ed-research-all-about-as-explained-by-a-muggle-in-a-math-department/
