Invitation to Instructors of Abstract Algebra to Participate in a Research Study

[Sophia Brisard]

Hello, 

My name is Sophie Towle, and I am a PhD student in Mathematics Education at the University of New Hampshire. I am currently conducting a dissertation research project under the supervision of Dr. Orly Buchbinder and approved by the Institutional Review Board at the University of New Hampshire (IRB-FY2025-8). The study explores the impact of introductory Abstract Algebra courses on undergraduate students’ mathematics identity and motivation. Additionally, the study examines the role of demographic factors and course-related factors in shaping these possible changes. 

I am reaching out to invite instructors teaching an introductory Abstract Algebra course in Fall 2025, along with their students, to participate in this study. Participation involves completing short online surveys, each taking approximately 10 minutes. 

 

What I am asking of instructors:  

1. Faculty Survey: Please complete the following brief survey about how you structure your Abstract Algebra course:  [https://unh.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9B0DHxDsQKVUWmW].  

This will indicate to me that you are interested in participating in this study. 

 

2. Student Surveys: The study uses a pre- and post-survey design to gather data on students' mathematics identity and motivation. At the start and end of the semester, you will be asked to share survey links with your students. If you want to preview the survey questions, you can find them here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1clch__iA-XJGWbgYMDtj9oM9jU91Nsem/view?usp=share_link

   
   

1. At the beginning of the semester (within the first two weeks of the course), please post the following link to the Qualtrics survey: [https://unh.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8unjUQyO1wKCWvI] on your course webpage, and encourage your students to complete it. This survey includes a student consent form for participating in the study.   

2. At the end of the semester (about two weeks before finals), please post this link to [https://unh.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bQlCzq8DPUmhg90] to your course webpage and encourage your students to complete the survey.   

 

• The surveys can be completed during or outside of class time.  

• If you feel comfortable, you can offer some form of incentive for your students to complete the surveys.  

 

As a thank you, once the data have been analyzed, I will send you a summary report of the study’s findings, which may provide useful insights into student motivation and identity in Abstract Algebra. 

Please let me know if you have any questions or would like further information about the study.  

I would also appreciate it if you could forward this invitation to any other colleagues who may be teaching an introductory Abstract Algebra course in the Fall 2025 semester in the US. 

Thank you for considering this opportunity to contribute to my dissertation research.   

 

Sincerely, 

Sophia Towle   Graduate Student   Department of Mathematics & Statistics    University of New Hampshire   Sophie.Towle@unh.edu

Dr. Orly Buchbinder   Associate Professor of Mathematics Education   Department of Mathematics & Statistics    University of New Hampshire   Orly.bu...@unh.edu