Science and Mathematics Education Commons^™

Paper 4: Do You See What I See? Deepening Teachers’ Understanding Of Linear Equations Through Student Interviews, Tamara Pearson, Kelli Nipper, Catherine Matos

Georgia Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators (GAMTE) Annual Conference

Many teachers have trouble transitioning their students between natural recursive thinking about the data and algebraic notation for representing linear functions (Zazkis & Liljedahl, 2002).

In this study, we interviewed eighteen middle school students to see how they used prior instruction to think about a geometric pattern and construct its corresponding linear equation. All students

were given the same task to complete and were questioned about their thinking during the interview.

We found that the recording of pattern recognition plays a substantial part in helping students recognize and write explicit patterns. By having students decompose the total perimeter into how …

Connecting With The Caribbean, Sueanne Mckinney, Linda Irwin-Devitis, Brenda Scanelli, Sharon Thomas, Andrew Casiello, Heather Huling

Distance Learning Faculty & Staff Publications

Teaching and learning mathematics can be a universal language. Our session will focus on the collaborative efforts of Old Dominion University and the Caribbean schools on the islands of St. Kitts, Dominica, Nevis and Anguilla in order to provide professional development learning opportunities in the area of mathematics. Specifically, the learning opportunity sessions concentrate on the use of manipulatives to teach conceptual understandings of mathematical ideals for the participating Caribbean schools and teachers. Preliminary data will be presented and discussed that includes the technical process, teacher understanding and participation, and mathematics self-efficacy.

Prospective Teachers' Considerations During The Lesson Planning Process, Jessica A. De La Cruz

Education Department Faculty Works

This paper presents an action research project completed in a mathematics methods course for prospective elementary school teachers. The goal was to determine if instructional practices were effective at preparing teachers to use students’ thinking to inform instructional decisions. The teachers’ ability to predict students’ strategies and the teachers’ considerations during the planning process were investigated. The teachers selected a task involving the comparison of ratios, anticipated students’ strategies for completing the task, and explained their rationale. The prospective teachers effectively predicted students’ strategies; however, those student strategies were not a consideration during the task selection process for the majority.

Constructing The Role Of School Librarians In The 21st Century Workforce: Implications Of Nsf-Funded Dataone For K-12 Librarianship, Kimberly L. Douglass, Dania Bilal

DataONE Sociocultural and Usability & Assessment Working Groups

This study will: 1. Uncover the characteristics of the emerging 21st Century workforce reflected in the literature associated with an NSF data infrastructure project (DataOne). 2. Compare those characteristics to the roles and responsibilities of school librarians articulated by their professional associations. 3. Compare those characteristics to the roles and responsibilities of school librarians articulated by education guidelines generally. This study contributes to the body of knowledge on the role of school librarianship in STEM education, particularly project-based learning, as well as to the broader scientific apparatus. It provides insight about how developments in K-12 education relate to scientific data …

An African-Centered Approach To Land Education, Salvotore Engel-Dimauro, Karanja Keita Carroll

Publications and Research

Approaches to environmental education which are engaging with place and critical pedagogy have not yet broadly engaged with the African world and insights from Africana Studies and Geography. An African-centered approach facilitates people's reconnection to places and ecosystems in ways that do not reduce places to objects of conquest and things to be exploited for profitability and individual gain. Such an approach offers effective critiques of settler coloniser perspectives on the environment and deeper understandings of the relationship between worldview and ecologically sensitised education. Through examples from Africana Studies and Geography, this article provides an introduction to how an African-centered …

A Course-Based Research Experience: How Benefits Change With Increased Investment In Instructional Time, Christopher D. Shaffer, Consuelo J. Alvarez, April E. Bednarski, David Dunbar, Anya L. Goodman, Catherine Reinke, Anne G. Rosenwald, Michael J. Wolyniak, Cheryl Bailey, Daron Barnard, Christopher Bazinet, Dale L. Beach, James E.J. Bedard, Satish Bhalla, John Braverman, Martin Burg, Vidya Chandrasekaran, Hui-Min Chung, Kari Clase, Randall J. Dejong, Justin R. Diangelo, Chunguang Du, Todd T. Eckdahl, Heather Eisler, Julia A. Emerson, Amy Frary, Donald Frohlich, Yuying Gosser, Shubha Govind, Adam Haberman, Amy T. Hark, Charles Hauser, Arlene Hoogewerf, Laura L.M. Hoopes, Carina E. Howell, Diana Johnson, Christopher J. Jones, Lisa Kadlec, Marian Kaehler, S. Catherine Silver Key, Adam Kleinschmit, Nighat P. Kokan, Olga Kopp, Gary Kuleck, Judith Leatherman, Jane Lopilato, Christy Mackinnon, Juan Carlos Martinez-Cruzado, Gerard Mcneil, Stephanie Mel, Hemlata Mistry, Alexis Nagengast, Paul Overvoorde, Don W. Paetkau, Susan Parrish, Celeste N. Peterson, Mary Preuss, Laura K. Reed, Dennis Revie, Srebrenka Robic, Jennifer Roecklein-Canfield, Michael R. Rubin, Kenneth Saville, Stephanie Schroeder, Karim Sharif, Mary Shaw, Gary Skuse, Christopher D. Smith, Mary A. Smith, Sheryl T. Smith, Eric Spana, Mary Spratt, Aparna Sreenivasan, Joyce Stamm, Paul Szauter, Jeffrey S. Thompson, Matthew Wawersik, James Youngblom, Leming Zhou, Elaine R. Mardis, Jeremy Buhler, Wilson Leung, David Lopatto, Sarah C.R. Elgin

Faculty Publications

There is widespread agreement that science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs should provide undergraduates with research experience. Practical issues and limited resources, however, make this a challenge. We have developed a bioinformatics project that provides a course-based research experience for students at a diverse group of schools and offers the opportunity to tailor this experience to local curriculum and institution-specific student needs. We assessed both attitude and knowledge gains, looking for insights into how students respond given this wide range of curricular and institutional variables. While different approaches all appear to result in learning gains, we find that a significant …

Pathways To Mathematics College Readiness In Maine, David L. Silvernail Phd, Ida A. Batista, James E. Sloan, Erika K. Stump Phd, Amy F. Johnson Phd

Higher Education and College Readiness

The goal of this study was to examine the pathways to being college ready in mathematics. Students who enter high school already having demonstrated mathematics proficiency on a standardized test in the 8th grade have already taken a significant step towards being college ready. The best scenario is to enter high school proficient in mathematics and having already completed Algebra I, then to complete at least Algebra II and Calculus before graduating from high school. Students completing this pathway are virtually guaranteed to be college ready in mathematics.

Contents

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

No abstract provided.

Principals Partnering To Build A Vision For School Mathematics, V. Inge, V. Hodges, P. Robertson

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

No abstract provided.

Journal Of Mathematics And Science: Collaborative Explorations

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

No abstract provided.

Learning Together: Using Action Research To Design Professional Development, M. Alger, R. White

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

After being part of a week-long math institute, both the principal and the Mathematics Specialist from an urban school district partnered to develop a professional development plan. It incorporated a Lesson Study Model that supported collaborative learning teams, focused on the instructional process, and incorporated reflection and feedback. Although the faculty had engaged in other forms of professional development, the lesson study process was seen as a powerful vehicle that invited a level of coaching and cross-collaboration. This article focuses on the shared viewpoints of the principal and the Mathematics Specialist who worked together to build a mechanism for professional …

Partnering With Principals Through Formal And Informal Professional Development, V. Bohidar

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

Mathematics Specialists and administrators need to define what they should see students and teachers doing in classrooms that promote proficiency and understanding in mathematics. Formal, divisionwide professional development on this topic can quickly guide and inform a large group of administrators in one setting. However, potentially more powerful professional development can occur on a small scale one building at a time through mathematics department learning walks.

A Collaborative Approach: Two Perspectives, B. Chong, M. Farrelly

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

This article is a story of collaboration between a principal, Baek Chong, and the mathematics coach, Megan Farrelly. This article shows both perspectives: Baek's thoughts are written in regular typeface, whereas Megan's perspective is italicized. Both educators work at Mark Twain Middle School in Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia which has nearly 900 seventh- and eighth-grade students. Twain Middle School serves a diverse population, of which about 35% of the students arc on free or reduced lunch, 15% receive special education services, 14% receive English language services, and 40% of the students are in the advanced academics program.

The Greater Sum Of Collaboration: Adding Value To Mathematics Education Through Teamwork, J. Deinhart, T. Hulen, B. Butler, D. Kerr

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

The role of a Mathematics Specialist can vary from pre-K through grade 8 schools. One of the most distinguishing factors involves the relationship between the Mathematics Specialists, administrators, and teachers. In this article, we share our experiences in a school culture that supports common language, collective commitments, trust, and transparency. Using this model, we have experienced high levels of teacher professionalism and student success. As lifelong learners, we continually reflect upon our practices and look for ways to meet the needs of our students. This occurs by implementing purposeful meeting structures that allow us to facilitate discussions around mathematics content, …

Developing A New Partnership, T. Martino, S. Chuang

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

Many factors contribute to the success and impact of a Mathematics Resource Teacher on K-5 mathematics instruction. Developing a strong partnership with stakeholders and sharing a common vision for quality mathematics instruction are key factors in the successful implementation of the Mathematics Resource Teacher program. In this article, we share the experience of elementary school principal, Timothy Martino, as he prepared to open a new elementary school in August 2012. Frederick Douglass Elementary opened with a full-time, school-embedded Mathematics Resource Teacher, Mrs. Cindy Brady. Timothy Martino and Mrs. Brady developed a partnership with division-level central office staff and with the …

Cluster-Grouping, Co-Teaching, And Professional Learning Communities Focused On Mathematics Instruction Lead To Improved Engagement And Achievement In Mathematics For Students, K. Schaffner, L. West, A. Miknis, R. Ward, A. Foreman

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

No abstract provided.

Aims & Scope

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

No abstract provided.

Recruitment, Retention, And Replacement Of Partner School Divisions, J. Singleton, D. Blount

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

No abstract provided.

Measuring Post-Secondary Stem Majors' Engagement In Sustainability: The Creation, Assessment, And Validation Of An Instrument For Sustainability Curricula Evaluation, David L. Little Ii

Theses and Dissertations--Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education

Ongoing changes in values, pedagogy, and curriculum concerning sustainability education necessitate that strong curricular elements are identified in sustainability education. However, quantitative research in sustainability education is largely undeveloped or relies on outdated instruments. In part, this is because no widespread quantitative instrument for measuring related educational outcomes has been developed for the field, though their development is pivotal for future efforts in sustainability education related to STEM majors.

This research study details the creation, evaluation, and validation of an instrument – the STEM Sustainability Engagement Instrument (STEMSEI) – designed to measure sustainability engagement in post-secondary STEM majors. The study …

An Exploration Of Middle School Science Teachers' Understandings And Teaching Practice Of Science As Inquiry, Margaret Ann Castle

Wayne State University Dissertations

A number of reports have raised a concern that the U.S. is not meeting the demands of 21st century skill preparation of students, teachers, and practitioners in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). In 2005 and 2006 five reports were released indicating a need for improvement in science and mathematics education in the U.S. The reports were: Keeping America Competitive: Five Strategies To Improve Mathematics and Science Education (Coble & Allen, 2005); National Defense Education and Innovation Initiative: Meeting America's Economic and Security Challenges in the 21st Century (The Association of American Universities, 2006); Rising Above the …

Cartooning In Algebra And Calculus, Lauren Jeneva Moseley Ph.D.

Lauren Jeneva Moseley

This article discusses how teachers can create cartoons for undergraduate math classes, such as college algebra and basic calculus. The practice of cartooning for teaching can be helpful for communication with students and for students’ conceptual understanding.

Openorbiter Small Spacecraft Development Program Educational Benefits, Jeremy Straub

Jeremy Straub

No abstract provided.

What Matters In College For Retaining Aspiring Scientists And Engineers From Underrepresented Racial Groups, Mitchell J. Chang, Jessica Sharkness, Sylvia Hurtado, Christopher B. Newman

Christopher B. Newman

This longitudinal study examined factors that contribute to the persistence of underrepresented racial minority (URM) undergraduates in STEM fields. The primary source of data came from the Cooperative Institutional Research Program’s 2004 The Freshman Survey (TFS) and 2008 College Senior Survey (CSS). The sample included 3,670 students at 217 institutions who indicated on the TFS that they intended to major in a STEM field, 1,634 of whom were underrepresented minority (URM) students. Findings indicate that Black and Latino undergraduates were significantly less likely to persist in STEM majors than were their White and Asian American counterparts. Background characteristics and college …

Engaging Youth In Lifelong Outdoor Adventure Activities Through A Nontraditional Public School Physical Education Program, Keri Schwab, Daniel L. Dustin

Keri Schwab

Engaging Youth in Lifelong Outdoor Adventure Activities through a Nontraditional Public School Physical Education Program

Faculty Perceptions Of Common Challenges Encountered By Novice Doctoral Writers, Michelle Maher, David F. Feldon, Briana Timmerman, Jie Chao

David F Feldon

Although learning to write for publication is an important outcome of doctoral education, it has received surprisingly little scholarly attention. Within a socialization and supervisor pedagogy framework, this study uses narratives of faculty who regularly write with their doctoral students for publication to expose challenges students commonly encounter in the writing process. Common challenges include international students’ ‘writing problem’, misconstruing the nature of disciplinary writing and not realizing that ‘public’ is part of publication.

Assessing U.S. High School Mathematics Students' Dependency On Calculators For Basic Arithmetic Operations Involving Integers From Single-Digit Fact Families, John Jeremy Sneed

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This study was designed to investigate the extent to which high school students use calculators to perform basic operations, and how well they actually perform those same operations without using calculators. The investigation involved the testing of math classes of students--male and female, mixed ethnicities--in grades nine through twelve. Students were asked to perform all four basic math operations (add, subtract, multiply, divide) involving integers based on single-digit addition and multiplication fact families with and without calculators. The testing was in two environments--timed and untimed, with students recording their completion times--in order to investigate discrepancies in students' calculator use in …

Teaching Undergraduates How To Analyze, Ryan Andrew Nivens, Rosalind Raymond Gann

ETSU Faculty Works

Analysis is typically listed in taxonomies of higher order thinking. Academics consider these taxonomies worthwhile, but they are hard to teach and we are apt to ignore them. Today higher education is criticized for “dumbing down” curriculum or lowering standards. To rectify this, many policies at the state or national level are requiring higher education institutions to change. In K-12 education, Race to the Top and Common Core requirements are placing new demands on K-12 teacher preparation, which include evaluation of the analysis skills of pre-service teachers. But professors do not always view their disciplines as the proper place for …

Title Page

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

No abstract provided.

A Tale Of Two First-Year Mathematics Specialists, D. Floyd, M. Perez, J. Lovin, J. Cavanaugh

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

No abstract provided.

The Collaboration Of A Principal And A Mathematics Specialist, S. Garthwaite, P. Granada

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

This article describes the importance of the collaboration between the principal, Patty Granada, and the Mathematics Specialist, Susan Garthwaite, in fostering a highly functioning mathematics program. While many aspects of the collaboration as facilitators for a mathematics program are logical, the "messy" aspects provide greater challenges. Through continued collaboration, they have come to embrace the "messiness" which has contributed to an awareness of similar belief systems in their roles. These beliefs include openness to learning and a sincere commitment to bringing out the best in students and teachers. The principal and the Mathematics Specialist share their continued journey in this …