Math-odology: methodology for teaching mathematics and tools for the implementation of virtual classes

Abstract

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic that is affecting worldwide, the educational centers have been forced to change its regular classroom classes approach towards a virtual environment. This change has brought challenges and difficulties for teachers and students since this is a learning style that has not been used before for most of them. The area of Mathematics is a clear example of these challenges, since it is usually considered one of the most challenging subjects, and one that conventionally requires a classroom environment to be taught appropriately and pedagogically. Therefore, it is important to create a methodology for implementing virtual classes in Mathematics and also, search for tools to improve and enhance the learning process, while making it adaptable for the continuously changing learning environments. The proposed methodology is based on the study of pedagogical techniques, different Learning Management Systems (LMS), and online resources involved with the virtual teaching of Mathematics. To develop it, the Analysis Design Development Implementation Evaluation (ADDIE) method has been applied, while the illustration has been made using the Software Process Engineering Metamodel (SPEM), which allows developers and group members to adopt processes in a common language. This methodology was evaluated through a study case where a group of Mathematics university instructors were asked to apply the methodology in a class, while, another group was asked to impart a virtual class without it. Then, a questionnaire about their perceptions and expectations was applied to the students; and to the instructors about perceptions. Finally, after comparing the results it was concluded that Math-odology is highly applicable to adapt a mathematics class to a virtual environment. Also, it is necessary to link each activity with the right tools that contribute positively to the teaching-learning process.