On the concept of (homo)morphism : a key notion in the learning of abstract algebra

TL;DR

This paper explores the challenges in understanding homomorphisms in abstract algebra and proposes teaching strategies to enhance structuralist thinking and make the subject more accessible.

Contribution

It provides an epistemological analysis of homomorphism concepts and discusses didactic approaches to improve learning in abstract algebra.

Findings

Identifies key difficulties in grasping homomorphisms

Proposes teaching strategies for structuralist thinking

Analyzes epistemological aspects of learning algebra

Abstract

This article is dedicated to the investigation of difficulties involved in the understanding of the homomorphism concept. It doesn't restrict to group-theory but on the contrary raises the issue of developing teaching strategies aiming at gaining access to structuralist thinking. Emphasis is put on epistemological analysis and its interaction with didactics in an attempt to make Abstract Algebra more accessible.