Digital Commons Network^™

Measuring What Students Know: Ensuring Math Word Problems On School Written Assessments Accurately Display English Language Learners’ Understanding Of Math Skills, Lori Magstadt

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

This study seeks to determine how often math word problems used by teachers to assess student learning contain unnecessary linguistic challenges for English Language Learners. It examines a question bank of math word problems used by a group of schools to develop internal assessments based on the six principals of Universal Design (UD), a set of linguistic modifications adopted on the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment. Key influences included peers, EL teachers seeking to support their students in math, formal and current students, and authors such as Bambrick-Sontoyo, Abedi, Sato, etc. The research method was text analysis using both qualitative and quantitative …

Jiji Can Talk! An Oral Language Strategy Guide For Blended Learning Math Classrooms Using St Math, William Menz

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

The research question addressed in this project was, how can an oral language strategy guide be created to support ELs language development in the elementary math classroom that uses ST Math. The capstone outlines strategies that can be paired with online content from ST Math to help ELs and native speakers develop oral language around the math puzzles presented in the standards based curriculum. By simultaneously addressing conceptual understanding of math content and English language development, the strategy guide works to meet the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics and the Principles of Math Instruction for ELs using ST Math, …

Effectiveness Of Cognitively Guided Instruction Practices In Below Grade-Level Elementary Students, Katherine S. Munday

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

This study asked the question, What is the effect of Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI) practices on the math beliefs and abilities of below grade-level second grade students? A mixed methods approach was used to measure the impact of a four-week CGI-based intervention on below grade-level second graders’ math proficiency, as well as their math affect, self-concept, and anxiety. Data was also collected on participants’ strategy sophistication, conceptual understanding, and ability to explain their thinking. Findings suggest that CGI practices led to improvement in specific math abilities in below grade-level students, including fluency and automaticity, Base 10 understanding, strategy sophistication, and …

Analyse D’Un Projet Pilote D’Intégration D’Une Approche Par Les Situations Dans L’Éducation De Base De La République Démocratique Du Congo, Stéphane Cyr, Annie Savard, Emna Braham

Comparative and International Education / Éducation Comparée et Internationale

En 2015, la République Démocratique du Congo (RDC) a entrepris une démarche transitoire de réforme scolaire en adoptant une Approche par les Situations (APS) dans ses programmes pour le primaire. Pour initier cette démarche, le pays a mis en place un projet pilote visant l’amélioration de l’enseignement et des apprentissages des mathématiques et des langues. Dans ce dispositif, des situations ont été crées et des enseignants ont été formés à l’utilisation de ces situations en classe. Le présent article présente les résultats issus des différents outils de collecte de données visant à rendre compte de cette démarche expérimentale en mathématiques …

David Roberts To Study Unusual Polynomials With Nsf Grant, University Relations

Campus News Archive

David Roberts, professor of mathematics, was recently awarded a three- year National Science Foundation (NSF) research grant to support his work in number theory. His particular topic is a class of very unusual polynomials with origin in work around 1900 by the German mathematician Adolf Hurwitz. Roberts first became interested in this topic through a joint paper published in 2015 with Akshay Venkatesh of Stanford University.

Introduction To Random Processes Mth 453, Joanna Burkhardt

Library Impact Statements

No abstract provided.

Applied Calculus Mth 103, Joanna Burkhardt

Library Impact Statements

No abstract provided.

Motivation In Mathematics, Andre J. Richmond

Honors Capstones

I conducted a review of existing mathematics education research on students’ motivation related to mathematics learning. My initial research questions were: “What are the constructs of student motivation as related to mathematics learning?” and “How do they these constructs inform mathematical teaching practice?” The research method that I decided to used was secondary research. I found that motivation can be understood in terms of self-efficacy, cognitive engagement, skill development, achievement motivation, self-regulation, and mindset about mathematics. Students’ unproductive beliefs can undermine their progress in mathematics learning. Motivation is what drives a person to do something. As a future teacher, I …

Project-Based Learning And Design-Focused Projects To Motivate Secondary Mathematics Students, Kelly W. Remijan

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

This article illustrates how mathematics teachers can develop design-focused projects, related to project-based learning, to motivate secondary mathematics students. With first-hand experience as a secondary mathematics teacher, I provide a series of steps related to the engineering design process, which are helpful to teachers in developing design-focused projects, describe various projects that have been developed and implemented within my classroom, and share project artifacts illustrated by pictures, student work, and student comments. Referring to the MUSIC Model of Academic Motivation and reflecting upon personal observations, student outcomes, and student comments, I provide personal insight on how design-focused projects can be …

Infinitely Primitively Renormalizable Polynomials With Bounded Combinatorics, Joseph Adams

Stony Brook Theses and Dissertations Collection, 2006-2020 (closed to submissions)

Infinitely renormalizable quadratic polynomials have been heavily studied. In the context of quadratic-like renormalization, one may try to prove the existence of a priori bounds, a definite thickness for the annuli corresponding to the renormalizations. In 1997, M. Lyubich showed that a priori bounds imply local connectivity of the Julia set and combinatorial rigidity for the corresponding quadratic polynomial. In a paper from 2006, J. Kahn showed that infinitely renormalizable quadratic polynomials of bounded primitive type admit a priori bounds. In 2002, H. Inou generalized some of the polynomial-like renormalization theory to polynomials of higher degree with several critical points. …

Refined Convergence For Genus-Two Pseudo-Holomorphic Maps, Jingchen Niu

Stony Brook Theses and Dissertations Collection, 2006-2020 (closed to submissions)

The moduli spaces of pseudo-holomorphic maps into an almost Kahler manifold are fundamental to Gromov-Witten theory. It has been speculated since the early days of Gromov-Witten theory that these moduli spaces contain natural closed subspaces, whenever the genus is positive, that also give rise to curve-counting invariants. This speculation was confirmed in genus 1 over a decade ago. In this dissertation, we describe a natural subspace of every moduli space of genus 2 pseudo-holomorphic maps that has strata of the correct virtual dimension to give rise to curve-counting invariants. We establish most of the convergence statements for sequences of such …

Multiplicativity Of Perverse Filtration For Hilbert Schemes Of Fibered Surfaces, Zili Zhang

Stony Brook Theses and Dissertations Collection, 2006-2020 (closed to submissions)

Let $S\to C$ be a smooth projective surface with numerically trivial canonical bundle fibered onto a curve. We prove the multiplicativity of the perverse filtration with respect to the cup product on $H^*(S^{[n]},\mathbb{Q})$ for the natural morphism $S^{[n]}\to C^{(n)}$. We also prove the multiplicativity for five families of Hitchin systems obtained in a similar way and compute the perverse numbers of the Hitchin moduli spaces. We show that for small values of $n$ the perverse numbers match the predictions of the numerical version of the de Cataldo-Hausel-Migliorini $P=W$ conjecture and of the conjecture by Hausel-Letellier-Villegas. | 48 pages

Enhancing The Use Of Teaching And Learning Materials To Promote Numeracy In Preschools In Rural Areas In Uganda., Alice Namutamba

Master of Education

Many studies have been carried out and established that there is limited use of teaching and learning materials (TLMs) that promote numeracy in preschools but little has been done to overcome this problem. Their findings have attributed this to the lack of funds and incompetence of the ECD teachers in the utilizing TLMs. Different of its kind, this study intended to crack the inadequate utilization of TLMs for numeracy development using low or no cost raw materials. Additionally, this study took the qualitative approach with an action research design. It used observation, interviews as well as a focus group discussion …

Examining The Influence Of Number Line Fraction Task Characteristics On Student Work, Sharlee Hatch

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Research supports the claim that classrooms with teachers who respond to student thinking in the mathematics classroom will see greater student gains and student success (Lamon, 1996; Sleep & Boerst, 2012). The topic of fractions is both difficult to teach and learn, but has important implications on future success in mathematics and in life. This study set out to explore the ways in which student work is influenced by characteristics of number line fraction tasks. By examining task type, number line structure, and number choice this study shares the way these task characteristics influenced student strategies. The relationship between task …

An International Comparison Study Of The Alignment Between Standards And Assessment Of Pre-Service Elementary Mathematics Teacher Preparation Courses, Vilma Guadalupe Duke Escobar

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

This study addresses the extent to which components of pre-service elementary teachers’ mathematics programs are aligned. Specifically, it includes an analysis of national standards and assessments for elementary mathematics education courses at universities in two countries, the United States and El Salvador. Understanding that the quality of school education is closely linked to pre-service teacher education, the purpose of the study is to contribute much-needed information to assess and improve pre-service elementary mathematics curriculum in both countries. Using Webb’s framework for standards-assessment alignment, data include the Mathematical Education of Teachers II (MET II) standards from the United States and Study …

Effects Of Mismatched Math Self-Efficacy And Performance On Behaviors And Attitudes Of Engineering Students With Poor Math Preparation, Gustavo Moran

All Dissertations

This research is a sequential explanatory mixed methods study seeking to understand the influences of mathematics self-efficacy (math SE) on the behavior and attitudes of engineering students with poor math preparation behavior and attitudes in their first college math courses.

The quantitative phase of this research assessed the math SE of engineering students placed in non-college-level math courses at Clemson University. A total of 408 students completed a survey to classify their math SE level; based on the results of the quantitative data analysis, 11 engineering students were selected from different semesters between the Spring 2014 and Spring 2016 to …

Weighted-Least-Squares Based Essentially Non-Oscillatory Schemes On Unstructured Meshes, Hongxu Liu

Stony Brook Theses and Dissertations Collection, 2006-2020 (closed to submissions)

Essentially non-oscillatory schemes and their variants, such as ENO and WENO, are widely used high-order schemes for solving partial differential equations (PDEs), especially hyperbolic conservation laws with piecewise smooth solutions. For structured meshes, these techniques can achieve high order accuracy for smooth functions while being non-oscillatory near discontinuities. For unstructured meshes, which are needed for complex geometries, similar schemes are required but they are much more challenging to design, especially for finite different schemes. We propose a new family of non-oscillatory schemes, called WLS-ENO, in the context of solving hyperbolic conservation laws using both finite volume and finite difference methods …

Introduction To Mathematical Analysis I - 2nd Edition, Beatriz Lafferriere, Gerardo Lafferriere, Mau Nam Nguyen

PDXOpen: Open Educational Resources

This edition has been superseded by Introduction to Mathematical Analysis I, Third Edition.

Video lectures explaining problem solving strategies are available.

Our goal in this set of lecture notes is to provide students with a strong foundation in mathematical analysis. Such a foundation is crucial for future study of deeper topics of analysis. Students should be familiar with most of the concepts presented here after completing the calculus sequence. However, these concepts will be reinforced through rigorous proofs.

The lecture notes contain topics of real analysis usually covered in a 10-week course: the completeness axiom, sequences and convergence, continuity, …

Math Alum Joins Ohio University Foundation Board, Ohio University College Of Arts & Sciences

All Forum Articles

No abstract provided.

20-Year Slide In Maths And Science Learning, Geoff N. Masters Ao

Teacher columnist – Geoff Masters

With the release of results from the four-yearly Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), Geoff Masters discusses what it will take to lift levels of mathematics and science learning in Australian schools.

Stem Education Discrepancy In The United States And Singapore, Elizabeth K. Worsham, Aaron Clevenger, Kelly A. Whealan-George

Beyond: Undergraduate Research Journal

One of the hottest topics over the past several years has been science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. The United States is lagging behind in the STEM education rankings as compared to its counterparts in Europe and Asia, including Singapore, ranked second overall in math and science based on the Program of International Student Assessment. Even as such a small country, Singapore has one of the best education systems in the world, one of the busiest ports, and is a leader in the science and technology market. One factor of this is the family life and the culture that …

On Rational Subgroups Of Exceptional Groups., Neha Hooda Dr.

Doctoral Theses

The main theme of this thesis is the study of exceptional algebraic groups via their subgroups. This theme has been widely explored by various authors (Martin Leibeck, Gary Seitz, Adam Thomas, Donna Testerman to mention a few), mainly for split groups ([26], [27], [28], [60] ). When the field of definition k of the concerned algebraic groups is not algebraically closed, the classification of k-subgroups is largely an open problem. In the thesis, we mainly handle the cases of simple groups of type F4 and G2 defined over an arbitrary field. These may not be split over k. We first …

Efficacy Of Math Video Tutorials On Student Perception And Achievement, Carol R. Kahrmann

Doctor of Education in Teacher Leadership Dissertations

Abstract

The purpose of this mixed methods research study is to explore how teacher-made video tutorials in one middle school mathematics classroom are being used and what enables/impedes their effectiveness. A quantitative, quasi-experimental design investigates how video tutorial usage relates to students’ self-efficacy and achievement in mathematics. The sample consisted of 55 students in the experimental group and 65 students in the control group. Results found parents wanted the tutorials even if they did not view them. Students did actually use the video tutorials for remediation and learning. Videos longer than ten minutes impeded the effectiveness of the videos. The …

An Examination Of Accessible Hands-On Science Learning Experiences, Self-Confidence In One’S Capacity To Function In The Sciences, And Motivation And Interest In Scientific Studies And Careers., Mick D. Isaacson, Cary Supalo, Michelle Michaels, Alan Roth

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

This study examined the potential relationship of accessible hands-on science learning experiences to the development of positive beliefs concerning one’s capacity to function in the sciences and motivation to consider science as a college major and career. Findings from Likert survey items given before and after engaging in accessible hands-on science laboratories show that students who were blind or had low vision (BLV) were more likely to agree with the following items after engaging in accessible science experiences: 1) I plan on enrolling as a science major in college; 2) My educational experiences, so far, have given me the …

‘When I Am Being Rushed It Slows Down My Brain’: Constructing Self-Understandings As A Mathematics Learner, Rachel Lambert

Education Faculty Articles and Research

Understanding learning disabilities (LDs) as constructed through multiple cultural practices including discourse, this paper focuses on a Latino middle school student with a LD named Elijah. This study documents both the discourses and practices used to position Elijah as a mathematics learner, as well as his use of similar discourses as he constructs a complex set of self-understandings as a mathematics learner. Elijah is positioned by discourses that prioritise speed as an indicator of mathematical ability, as well as discourses that construct students with LD as having both intelligence and differences such as processing speed. An analysis of interview and …

Science Café | Math Zombies And The Language Of The Universe, Nov. 16, Ohio University College Of Arts & Sciences

All Forum Articles

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Professional Development On Elementary Students’ Mathematics Achievement, Jonathan L. Brendefur, Keith W. Thiede, Sam Strother, Dan Jesse, John Sutton

Curriculum, Instruction, and Foundational Studies Faculty Publications and Presentations

This paper describes the effects of a professional development (PD) program – Developing Mathematical Thinking – on student achievement. Six Title I elementary schools with similar demographics, within one school district, were chosen to participate as either a treatment or comparison school. Three schools were chosen to participate in professional development that incorporates effective PD recommendations. All the teachers had to participate in all aspects of the PD, thereby eliminating potential self-selection bias. Using the state standardized achievement test as the before and after measure, results suggest improved student performance after professional development was implemented over a two year period.

Traditional Mathematics And New Methods Of Teaching Through Programming Together With Students, Robert Kosova, Teuta Thanasi, Lindita Mukli, Loreta Nakuçi Pëllumbi

UBT International Conference

We are used to the traditional methods of teaching mathematics. The textbook, the blackboard and a chalk have been for centuries a wonderful part of teaching. And, they always will be. Traditional teaching methods of mathematics are a wonderful legacy of our educational system that have educated generations of teachers, engineers, administrators, managers, leaders, and economists. American universities websites, the video- lectures of the best professors of well-known disciplines such as statistics, operational research, number theory, algebra, game theory, show impressing large blackboards, all over the auditor's walls. We always will need and admire traditional mathematics. But, beyond the lessons, …

Traditional Mathematics And New Methods Of Teaching Through Programming Together With Students, Robert Kosova, Teuta Thanasi, Lindita Mukli, Loreta Nakuçi Pëllumbi

UBT International Conference

We are used to the traditional methods of teaching mathematics. The textbook, the blackboard and a chalk have been for centuries a wonderful part of teaching. And, they always will be. Traditional teaching methods of mathematics are a wonderful legacy of our educational system that have educated generations of teachers, engineers, administrators, managers, leaders, and economists. American universities websites, the video- lectures of the best professors of well-known disciplines such as statistics, operational research, number theory, algebra, game theory, show impressing large blackboards, all over the auditor's walls. We always will need and admire traditional mathematics. But, beyond the lessons, …

Mathematics-Literacy Checklists: A Pedagogical Innovation To Support Teachers As They Implement The Common Core, Pixita M. Del Prado Hill 8785617, Ellen S. Friedland, Susan E. Mcmillen

Journal of Inquiry and Action in Education

This article presents two innovative tools – the Mathematics-Literacy Planning Framework and Mathematics-Literacy Implementation Checklist – which are designed to help instructional coaches and specialists support teachers to meet the challenges of the mathematics-literacy integration goals of the Common Core. Developed with teacher input, these instruments serve as cognitive “safety nets” to ensure effective integration of appropriate strategies before, during, and after instruction.