GeoGebra in the teaching of Abstract Algebra: An approach to dihedral groups through Didactic Engineering

Abstract

This paper investigates the teaching of finite dihedral groups, their importance in various domains, undergraduate students' difficulties in the subject, and the lack of available literature. The proposal aims to explore the algebraic characteristics of reflections and rotations in dihedral groups using support from GeoGebra. The approach provides theoretical support for the teacher in understanding and teaching its algebraic structure and properties from a visual perspective, supported by a didactic situation. The methodology adopted was didactic engineering, and the teaching session followed the dialectics of the Theory of Didactic Situations. We anticipate that integrating GeoGebra into the teaching of Abstract Algebra will offer significant benefits, considering the potential contribution of a visual approach to the topic in teaching practice.

Keywords
Mathematics teaching; Higher education; GeoGebra; Algebra teaching; Didactic engineering