Digital Commons Network^™

An Arecibo Search For Pulsars And Transient Sources In M33, N. D. R. Bhat, J. M. Cordes, P. J. Cox, J. S. Deneva, T. H. Hankins, T. J. W. Lazio, M. A. Mclaughlin

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Secondary Mathematics' Teachers Perceptions Of Their Integration Of Instructional Technologies, Jessica Taylor Ivy

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative research study explored the beliefs and practices regarding integrations of instructional technologies by seven secondary mathematics teachers. The researcher conducted an initial interview, a classroom observation, and a follow-up interview with each participant. Participants also submitted sample lessons and completed a TPACK Development Model Self-Report Survey. The interviews and observations were analyzed using deductive analysis, using the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) Development Model to assess technology-related practices. Through responses to the TPACK Development Model Self-Report Survey, the participants revealed their perceptions of their practices and beliefs regarding technology integration. These perceptions were compared to the researcher's analysis …

A Comparison Of Online And Face-To-Face Discussions In An Elementary Mathematics Methods Course, Julie Stephens James

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to determine if there is a difference between online and face-to-face discussions in terms of quality of responses. The researcher analyzed discussions among teacher candidates enrolled in a web-enhanced undergraduate elementary mathematics methods course. Data was collected through surveys, audio-recordings of face-to-face discussions and asynchronous discussion board transcripts. Transcripts from online and face-to-face discussions were analyzed for evidence of critical thinking using the practical inquiry model (Garrison, Anderson & Archer, 2001). The researcher found that discussions that utilized the asynchronous discussion board elicited more critical thinking from participants than face-to-face discussions. Also, the …

The Statistical Relationship Among Number Sense, Computational Fluency, And Montana Comprehensive Assessment System, Amy Jo Burland

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

According to recent studies, less than half of U.S. students perform at the proficient or advanced levels in mathematics by the time they reach grade 4 and the trend continues through high school. In order to improve instruction many districts have adopted scientifically based researched programs such as Response to Intervention (RTI), which allows for the examination of the effectiveness of the core curriculum that is being used in a school or classroom. In addition, RTI provides school administrators and teachers with educational tools to identify students who may be at-risk of failing and to inform teachers of supplemental instruction …

Informal Mathematics Activities And The Beliefs Of Elementary Teacher Candidates, Matt B. Roscoe

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

This study sought to determine the relationship between participation in informal mathematics activities and the formal-to-informal beliefs of university teacher candidates in elementary education. Three classes of preservice teachers participated in the study through their enrollment in a content mathematics course for elementary education majors. Four informal mathematics activities were employed as part of the course requirements. Pre and post formal-to-informal beliefs about mathematics and mathematics instruction were measured using a Likert-scale beliefs assessment instrument used by Collier (1972) and Seaman et al. (2005). Changes in beliefs about mathematics and mathematics instruction were compared to a control group. Student reflection …

3-D Computational Investigation Of Viscoelastic Biofilms Using Gpus, Paisa Seeluangsawat

Theses and Dissertations

A biofilm is a slimy colony of bacteria and the materials they secrete, collectively called “extracellular polymeric substances (EPS)”. The EPS consists mostly of bio-polymers, which cross link into a network that behave viscoelastically under deformation. We propose a single-fluid multi-component phase field model of biofilms that captures this behavior, then use numerical simulations on GPUs to investigate the biofilm’s growth and its hydrodynamics properties.

Spreadsheets Across The Curriculum, 3: Finding A List Of Mathematical Skills For Quantitative Literacy Empirically, H L. Vacher, Emily Lardner

Numeracy

What mathematical topics do educators committed to teaching mathematics in context choose for their students when given the opportunity to develop an educational resource explicitly to teach mathematics in context? This paper examines the choices made for the 55 modules by 40 authors in the General Collection of the Spreadsheets Across the Curriculum (SSAC) library. About half of the modules were made by authors from natural science, and about 60% of the other modules were by authors from mathematics. The modules are tagged with terms of a search vocabulary developed for the browse page of the collection. The four terms …

Transition From High School To College : The Experiences Of Girls In Rural West Virginia, Leanne Arbor Olson

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

A degree in higher education is increasingly important in our competitive economic environment, but a 30% gap exists between high-income and low-income students attending college (Bloom, 2005; Corrigan & Hartle, 2007). Rural and urban schools contend with issues of poverty and educational resources, while suburban schools work with "ample resources and stable populations" (Truscott & Truscott, 2005, p. 245). The purpose of this study was to better understand the enabling and constraining factors of five girls from rural, West Virginia as they transitioned from high school to college. Collaborative enthographic case study allowed the five students to be involved in …

The Relationship Between Music And Visual Arts Formal Study And Academic Achievement On The Eighth-Grade Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (Leap) Test, Richard Allen Baker Jr.

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the policy implications allowing administrators to exempt a student from required arts instruction if the student obtained unsatisfactory scores on the high-stake state mandated tests in English and mathematics. This study examined English language arts and math test scores for 37,222 eighth grade students enrolled in music and/or visual arts classes and those students not enrolled in arts courses. There were more than 12,000 students who were eligible, but not enrolled in arts courses. Methodology consisted of comparing the mean scores of students receiving music and visual arts instruction with the mean …

Enhancing The Teaching And Learning Of Computational Estimation In Year 6, Paula Mildenhall

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

There have been repeated calls for computational estimation to have a more prominent position in mathematics teaching and learning but there is still little evidence that quality time is being spent on this topic. Estimating numerical quantities is a useful skill for people to be able to use in their everyday lives in order to meet their personal needs. It is also accepted that number sense is an important component of mathematics learning (McIntosh, Reys, Reys, Bana, & Farrell, 1997; Paterson, 2004) and that computational estimation is an important part of number sense (Edwards, 1984; Markovits & Sowder, 1988; Schoen, …

Computable Performance Analysis Of Recovering Signals With Low-Dimensional Structures, Gongguo Tang

All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

The last decade witnessed the burgeoning development in the reconstruction of signals by exploiting their low-dimensional structures, particularly, the sparsity, the block-sparsity, the low-rankness, and the low-dimensional manifold structures of general nonlinear data sets. The reconstruction performance of these signals relies heavily on the structure of the sensing matrix/operator. In many applications, there is a flexibility to select the optimal sensing matrix among a class of them. A prerequisite for optimal sensing matrix design is the computability of the performance for different recovery algorithms. I present a computational framework for analyzing the recovery performance of signals with low-dimensional structures. I …

Markov Chains Derived From Lagrangian Mechanical Systems, Scott Cook

All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

The theory of Markov chains with countable state spaces is a greatly developed and successful area of probability theory and statistics. There is much interest in continuing to develop the theory of Markov chains beyond countable state spaces. One needs good and well motivated model systems in this effort. In this thesis, we propose to produce such systems by introducing randomness into familiar deterministic systems so that we can draw upon the existing: deterministic) results to aid the analysis of our Markov chains. We will focus most heavily on models drawn from Lagrangian mechanical systems with collisions: billiards).

The Boundary Behavior Of Holomorphic Functions, Baili Min

All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

In the theory of several complex variables, the Fatou type problems, the Lindel\"{o}f principle, and inner functions have been well studied for strongly pseudoconvex domains. In this thesis, we are going to study more generalized domains, those of finite type. In Chapter 2 we show that there is no Fatou's theorem for approach regions complex tangentially broader than admissible ones, in domains of finite type. In Chapter 3 discussing the Lindel\"{o}f principle, we provide some conditions which yield admissible convergence. In Chapter 4 we construct inner functions for a type of domains more general than strongly pseudoconvex ones. Discussion is …

The Effects Of Math Instruction On Fifth Grade Elementary Students' Math Performance Across Four Inclusive General Education Classrooms Infused With The Afrocultural Dimensions Of Communalism, Orality, And Movement, Rosalind J. Simpson

Doctoral Dissertations

unavailable

Reduced Order Model Of A Spouted Fluidized Bed Utilizing Proper Orthogonal Decomposition, Stephanie R. Beck-Roth

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

A reduced order model utilizing proper orthogonal decomposition for approximation of gas and solids velocities as well as pressure, solids granular temperature and gas void fraction for use in multiphase incompressible fluidized beds is developed and presented. The methodology is then tested on data representing a flat-bottom spouted fluidized bed and comparative results against the software Multiphase Flow with Interphase eXchanges (MFIX) are provided. The governing equations for the model development are based upon those implemented in the (MFIX) software. The three reduced order models explored are projective, extrapolative and interpolative. The first is an extension of the system solution …

Images Of Locally Finite Derivations Of Polynomial Algebras In Two Variables, Arno Van Den Essen, David Wright, Wenhua Zhao

Mathematics Faculty Research

In this paper we show that the image of any locally finite k-derivation of the polynomial algebra k[x,y] in two variables over a field k of characteristic zero is a Mathieu subspace. We also show that the two-dimensional Jacobian conjecture is equivalent to the statement that the image of every k-derivation D of k[x,y] such that and is a Mathieu subspace of k[x,y].

Preservice Teachers: Investigations In Early Fieldwork And Mathematics Efficacy Beliefs, Heidi Lynn Hunt-Ruiz

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In this quasi-experimental study, 127 preservice teachers from two community colleges enrolled in a mathematics for teachers two-course sequence. Control and experimental groups were used to investigate the effect that fieldwork had on efficacy beliefs. The Mathematics for Teaching Efficacy Beliefs Instrument (MATHEMATICS TEACHING EFFICACY BELIEFS INSTRUMENT) was used to gather data. Fieldwork was determined not to be a significant factor of personal mathematics efficacy or outcome expectancy. Personal mathematics teaching efficacy did significantly increase for both experimental and control groups; however, mathematics teaching outcome expectancy significantly increased only for the experimental group. Results also showed that length of term …

On The Image Conjecture, Arno Van Den Essen, David Wright, Wenhua Zhao

Mathematics Faculty Research

The Image Conjecture was formulated by the third author, who showed that it implied his Vanishing Conjecture, which is equivalent to the famous Jacobian Conjecture. We prove various cases of the Image Conjecture and show that how it leads to another fascinating and elusive assertion that we here dub the Factorial Conjecture. Various cases of the Factorial Conjecture are proved.

Study On Algebras With Retractions And Planes Over A Dvr., Prosenjit Das Dr.

Doctoral Theses

Aim:The main aim of this thesis is to study the following problems:1. For a Noetherian ring R, to find a set of minimal sufficient fibre conditions for an R-algebra with a retraction to R to be an A1-fibration over R.2. To investigate sufficient conditions for a factorial A1-form, with a retraction to the base ring, to be A1.3. To investigate whether planes of the form b(X, Y)Zn – a(X, Y) are co- ordinate planes in the polynomial ring in three variables X, Y and Z over a discrete valuation ring.The 1st problem will be discussed in Chapter 3 entitled Codimension- …

A Sequel To “A Space Topologized By Functions From Omega To Omega”, Tetsuya Ishiu, Akira Iwasa

Computer Science and Mathematics Faculty Publications

We consider a topological space ⟨𝑋, 𝜏 (ℱ)⟩, where 𝑋 = {𝑝 ∗} ∪ [𝜔 Å~ 𝜔] and ℱ ⊆ 𝜔𝜔. Each point in 𝜔 Å~ 𝜔 is isolated and a neighborhood of 𝑝∗ has the form {𝑝∗}∪{⟨𝑖, 𝑗⟩ : 𝑖 ≥ 𝑛, 𝑗 ≥ 𝑓(𝑖)} for some 𝑛 ∈ 𝜔 and 𝑓 ∈ ℱ. We show that there are subsets ℱ and 𝒢 of 𝜔𝜔 such that ℱ is not bounded, 𝒢 is bounded, yet ⟨𝑋, 𝜏 (ℱ)⟩ and ⟨𝑋, 𝜏 (𝒢)⟩ are homeomorphic. This answers a question of the second author posed in A space topologized by functions …

Information-Preserving Structures: A General Framework For Quantum Zero-Error Information, Robin Blume-Kohout, Hui Khoon Ng, David Poulin, Lorenza Viola

Dartmouth Scholarship

Quantum systems carry information. Quantum theory supports at least two distinct kinds of information (classical and quantum), and a variety of different ways to encode and preserve information in physical systems. A system’s ability to carry information is constrained and defined by the noise in its dynamics. This paper introduces an operational framework, using information-preserving structures, to classify all the kinds of information that can be perfectly (i.e., with zero error) preserved by quantum dynamics. We prove that every perfectly preserved code has the same structure as a matrix algebra, and that preserved information can always be corrected. We …

Gsu Students Teach Math To Educators, Office Of Public Affairs

Press Releases

Governors State University graduate and undergraduate students had the opportunity to teach educators recently when they presented at the 61st Annual Meeting of the Illinois Council of Teacher of Mathematics in Springfield, Illinois.

The students, all studying to be math teachers, presented math activities they designed based on the massive sculptures in the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park. The students found that the 26 sculptures, which are located on the grounds of the university, can be used to illustrate various mathematical formulas and principles.

Implementing Reading And Writing In Secondary Mathematics, Mari E. Eisenhart

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Literacy in secondary mathematics continues to be difficult for many. Mathematics teachers and researchers continue to develop support documents for secondary math teachers. It is important to utilize the literacy strategies already established by other content areas. It is feasible to adjust these strategies to suit the needs of mathematics students. Literacy across the content areas is a relatively new idea in education, but literacy in mathematics is even more foreign. It is necessary to use the available literacy strategies to develop materials applicable in the secondary mathematics classroom.

The Impact Of Content Courses On Pre-Service Elementary Teachers’ Mathematical Content Knowledge, Michael Matthews, Janice Rech, Neal Grandgenett

Teacher Education Faculty Publications

In response to research documenting the mathematical deficiencies of pre-service elementary teachers, many teacher preparation programs are requiring mathematical content courses specifically focusing on the mathematics taught at the elementary level. This study considers what impact two such courses (one course focusing on Arithmetic, and the other course focusing on Geometry and Measurement) had on the mathematical content knowledge and attitude towards mathematics by comparing a group of pre-service elementary teachers who took these courses to a group of pre-service elementary teachers who took only a more general mathematics course (such as College Algebra). Results indicated that those teachers who …

Developing Mathematical Content Knowledge For Teaching Elementary School Mathematics, Eva Thanheiser, Christine A. Browning, Meg Moss, Tad Watanabe, Gina Garza-Kling

Faculty Articles

In this paper the authors present three design principles they use to develop preservice teachers' mathematical content knowledge for teaching in their mathematics content and/or methods courses: (1) building on currently held conceptions, (2) modeling teaching for understanding, (3) focusing on connections between content knowledge and other types of knowledge. The authors share results of individual research projects and teaching approaches focusing on helping preservice elementary teachers develop such knowledge. Specific examples from different content areas (whole number, fractions, angle, and area) are discussed.

The Impact Of Smart Board Technology On Growth In Mathematics Achievement Of Gifted Learners, Patricia Ann Riska

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined whether SMART Board technology increased growth in mathematics performance of fourth grade gifted students. Gifted students in North Carolina were studied to determine if the use of SMART Board technology during mathematics instruction impacted their growth on standardized state tests. The sample consisted of 175 students from six elementary schools with similar populations. Three of the schools used SMART Boards during mathematics instruction, and three schools did not use SMART Board technology. All students were taught the mathematics curriculum according to the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. The instrument for evaluating growth was the state End-of-Grade …

Middle And High School Mathematics Teacher Differences In Mathematics Alternative Certification, Brian R. Evans

NERA Conference Proceedings 2010

his study examined the differences in content knowledge, attitudes toward mathematics, and concepts of teacher self-efficacy among several different types of teachers in the New York City Teaching Fellows program, and informs teacher education in mathematics alternative certification. Findings revealed that high school teachers had significantly higher content knowledge than middle school teachers. Mathematics Teaching Fellows had significantly higher content knowledge than Mathematics Immersion Teaching Fellows. Mathematics and science majors had significantly higher content knowledge than other majors. Teachers had the same high positive attitudes toward mathematics and same high concepts of self-efficacy regardless of content ability.

Teacher Quality, Content Knowledge, And Self-Efficacy In One Mathematics Teach For America Cohort, Brian R. Evans

NERA Conference Proceedings 2010

The purpose of this study was to understand the relationships between mathematical content knowledge and perceptions of teaching self-efficacy in one cohort of Teach for America teachers. It was found that teachers had high levels of self-efficacy. It was also found that mathematics related majors had higher mathematical content knowledge than did business majors, but similar levels of self-efficacy. Liberal arts majors had similar content knowledge and levels of self-efficacy as did mathematics related majors.

Project: Application Of Algebra Or Analysis, Eduardo C. Balreira

Information Literacy Resources for Curriculum Development

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Positive School Engagement On Math And Reading Achievement In Midwestern Suburban Middle School Students, Heather C. Phipps

Student Work

Ensuring high academic achievement in schools with increasingly diverse students is a challenge. Assessing student engagement can be a powerful tool in predicting potential success and identifying students who may need additional support. Positive youth development theory supports focusing on a young person’s strengths, and an asset-based approach to education can raise student achievement. During the 2007-2008 school year, seventh grade students were assessed for school engagement using the Developmental Assets Profile. Students were identified as either not engaged or engaged in school. For two years, achievement in reading and math as well as grade point average was collected and …