A student-oriented approach to topology

The purpose of this study is twofold: (1) To design and document a Student Oriented Approach (SOA) for teaching an undergraduate topology course at southern University, Baton Rouge, LA. (2) To emphasize by means of student interviews and a faculty response to test to what and extent the approach is successful.; There is extensive support for college and university professors of mathematics and mathematics education for giving the students a more active roll in the activities in the classroom. For example, R. E. Slavin stated as reported in A Practical Guide to Cooperative Learning Collegiate Mathematics , Mathematical Association of America Number 37, (1995; 160). "A review of research regarding the effectiveness of cooperative learning method indicated that when the classroom is to work cooperatively as well as socially. The widespread and growing use of cooperative learning techniques demonstrates that, in addition to their effectiveness, they are practical and attractive to teachers". This study is an attempt to demonstrate that the student should take an active part in the class activities.; This thesis is divided into five chapters. Chapter 1 includes the pedagogical design and objectives. Chapter 2 includes a review of literature. Chapter 3, includes a detailed outline of the course taught at Southern University, Baton Rouge, LA. A complete set of the instructional material may be obtained from Horace Smith, Southern University, Department of Mathematics, Baton Rouge, LA. 70813. Chapter 4, includes a discussion of the result. Chapter 5 includes a discussion of implications for classroom teaching and additional research.; The major findings includes the following specific areas: (1) The students' perception of and his/her ability to solve problems improved. (2) The students' interest in topology and mathematics greatly increased. (3) The students' perception of his ability to do presentations greatly improved. (4) The students' presentation skills greatly improved.