Department of Mathematics and Philosophy

Elahe Allahyari

Elahe Allahyari, Assistant Professor

Specializing in Mathematics Education

Education

Ph.D., Western Michigan University (Mathematics Education)
M.A., Western Michigan University (Mathematics Education)
M.S., Razi University, Iran (Mathematical Statistics)
B.S., Yazd University, Iran (Statistics)

Contact Information

Office: 470 Morgan Hall
Phone: (309) 298-2364
Email: E-Allahyari@wiu.edu

Courses Taught

  • Number and Computation for Prospective Elementary/Middle School Teachers
  • Geometry for Prospective and In-Service Teachers
  • Probability and Statistics for Elementary/Middle School Pre-Service Teachers
  • Algebra II
  • Discrete Mathematics
  • Finance Mathematics
  • Statistical Economics
  • Political Statistics Perspectives
  • Calculus I & II
  • Differential Equations

Research Interests

My research interests center on understanding the dynamic cognitive processes students experience while learning mathematics. I am particularly intrigued by how learners navigate cognitive disequilibrium and conceptual accommodation when faced with contextual tasks that challenge their prior knowledge. For example, I have investigated the moments when students transition from linear to exponential thinking and how certain contextual features and linguistic cues can influence this shift.

Through my research, I aim to design and analyze educational tasks that promote deeper engagement with mathematical concepts by leveraging contextual and linguistic elements. Using microgenetic learning analysis, I explore how students build new conceptual frameworks and overcome obstacles in their reasoning. My goal is to contribute to instructional practices and curriculum development that support learners in addressing cognitive and contextual challenges, ultimately fostering their conceptual growth and understanding of advanced mathematical ideas.

Selected Publications

  • PME-NA 44, Cleveland, OH (2024) Presenting paper on the role of cognitive disequilibrium in conceptual accommodation (Recognized as Outstanding Work)
  • ICME-15, Sydney, Australia (2024) Discussing phenomenological perspectives on mathematical harmony
  • RUME Annual Conference, Omaha, NE (2023) Presenting findings on contextuality in reasoning about exponential modeling
  • PME-NA 44, Nashville, TN (2022) Exploring shifts in student knowledge activation in exponential modeling
  • MAA MathFest, Philadelphia, PA (2022) Sharing insights on discerning appropriateness of exponential models

International Conference Presentations

  • 15th International Congress on Mathematical Education, Sydney, Australia (2024) Highlighting the importance of recursive dependency in exponential modeling
  • 12th International Conference on Conceptual Change (EARLI-12), Zwolle, Netherlands (2022) Analyzing the influence of contextual cues on reasoning in exponential models

Publications

  • Allahyari, E. (2024). “Conceptual Accommodation and Experiencing Cognitive Disequilibrium: Magic or Mathematics.” Recognized as Outstanding Work, Conference Proceedings, PME-NA 44, Cleveland, OH.
  • Allahyari, E. (2024). “Experiencing Mathematical Harmony: A Phenomenological Approach.” Philosophy of Mathematics and Mathematics Education Group Study, ICME-15.
  • Allahyari, E. (2024). “The Importance of Multiplicative Recursive Dependency in Knowledge Activation of Exponential Modeling.” Poster, ICME-15.
  • Allahyari, E. (2023). “Contextuality in Reasoning About Exponential Modeling: A Microgenetic Learning Analysis.” Conference Proceedings, RUME Annual Conference, Omaha, NE.
  • Allahyari, E. (2022). “Coming to Discern Appropriateness of Exponential Models in Contextual Situations.” Abstracts, EARLI-12, Zwolle, Netherlands.
  • Allahyari, E. (2022). “Coming to Discern Appropriateness of Exponential Models in Contextual Situations.” Presented at MAA Math-Fest, Philadelphia, PA.

Local, State, and National Grants Received

  • Dissertation Data Collection Grant, Graduate Student Association, Western Michigan University (2023)
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  • Outstanding Graduate Mathematics Student, Alavi Grant, Western Michigan University (2022)