Analysis of mathematical ideas and their representation in undergraduate economics

This dissertation is divided into three distinct topics. Significant research has been done to understand students’ ways of thinking and ways of understanding in undergraduate mathematics education. However, less research has been done with applications contextualized specifically to economics. As economics relies significantly on mathematical ideas, understanding the use of mathematics can be used to inform instruction by mathematics educators teaching introductory courses geared to economics. I provide a characterization of the ways of thinking about mathematical ideas used in undergraduate economics textbooks. Additionally, I provide a report on the effects of student success rates following reforms to redial mathematics education at OSU.