The University of Arizona: Creative Investigations: An Essential Element of Undergraduate Mathematics at Every Level

Mathematics education research calls for a teaching approach that aligns with students’ interests, how they learn, and how they interact with others. Engaging group projects can improve students’ self-efficacy, their attitudes about the subject, and their capacity to creatively apply mathematics or develop novel mathematical ideas, structures, and methods. This talk will highlight efforts to include creative investigations in multiple levels of undergraduate mathematics coursework, with a focus on mathematical modeling lessons. A brief account of research findings and references to practical resources aim to spark discussion of best practices for supporting students in their own mathematical investigations.