Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons^™

Faith, Mathematics, And Science: The Priority Of Scripture In The Pursuit And Acquisition Of Truth, Bob Mallison

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2019

This research will examine some approaches for identifying truth as well as some issues involved in recognizing reliable sources of information. We will proceed from a decidedly Christian perspective including the conviction that God created an orderly universe (and that studying nature provides valuable information about Him) and that His Word, the Bible, even more clearly expresses in- formation about Him. We will discuss some of the essential tools used by mathematicians and scientists for the discovery of truth – namely, models. We will examine some valuable models from history, and briefly discuss that as additional scientific information became available, …

Teaching Mathematics At An African University -- My Experience, Kathleen Lewis

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2019

For eight years (2010-2018), I was the head of the math department at The University of The Gambia, a small, new (started in 1999) university in a very small, mostly Muslim, West African country that most Americans have never heard of. During that time, a number of other Americans and Europeans came to teach for shorter periods of time. I will talk about what this experience was like for us, both the good and the bad. I will describe the possibilities for others to spend either a sabbatical or an extended period of time at such a university and suggest …

Lagrange's Interpolation, Chinese Remainder, And Linear Equations, Jesús Jiménez

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2019

Consider a finite set of points {(x1, y1), (x2, y2), . . . , (xk , yk )} in R2. The Lagrange’s interpolation problem is to find a polynomial p(x) of degree k − 1 satisfying p(xi) = yi for 1 ≤ i ≤ k. We will recall the solution to Lagrange’s interpolation problems as an instance of the Chinese Remainder Theorem. Next, we will show that a similar approach can be used to construct solutions to a system of linear equations.

Addressing Challenges In Creating Math Presentations, David Schweitzer

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2019

When it comes to composing presentation slides with extensive mathematical content, each of the slide creation platforms has at least one significant drawback. Whether it is Beamer and its steep learning curve, PowerPoint and its relative inefficiency with math, Google Slides and its complete lack of math capabilities, or some other platform, no one tool single-handedly offers an ideal solution. Additionally, if users desire creative flexibility, such as the ability to easily change fonts or colors, the platforms’ respective limitations can become even more pronounced. In a project that has been well suited for undergraduate research, the presenter and his …

Overcoming Stereotypes Through A Liberal Arts Math Course, Jessica Hamm

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2019

"I'm just not a math person.” We’ve heard this comment countless times from our students. It is a mentality that both paralyzes and strangely comforts them. In this talk I will describe how I use my liberal arts Joy of Mathematics course to help students address and overcome stereotypes. In particular, I will discuss a specific assignment as well as share some student comments and perspectives on how this course helped change their viewpoint on more than just math.

Maximum Elements Of Ordered Sets And Anselm's Ontological Argument, Doug Ward

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2019

I will present a simple theorem concerning maximal elements of a set T endowed with an ordering “>” that is antisymmetric, i.e., if A and B are elements of T , we cannot have both A > B and B > A. A special case of this theorem is a simple version of the ontological argument, one of the classical proofs for the existence of God.

Numerical Range Of Toeplitz Matrices Over Finite Fields, Derek Thompson, Maddison Guillaume Baker, Amish Mishra

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2019

We characterize the kth numerical range of all n×n Toeplitz matrices with a constant main diagonal and another single, non-zero diagonal, where the matrices are over the field Zp[i], with p a prime congruent to 3 mod 4. We find that, for k ∈ Z∗, the kth numerical range is always equal to Zp[i] with the exception of the scaled identity. We also use similar techniques to discover a general connection between the 0th numerical range and the kth numerical range. Lastly, we conclude with a conjecture regarding the general numerical range of all triangular Toeplitz matrices.

Is Mathematical Truth Time Dependent? Comments From A Paper By Judith Grabiner, Richard Stout

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2019

Judith Grabiner, a renowned historian of mathematics, has written many papers related to signifi- cant changes in the content and nature of analysis, from the 17th through the 19th century. In her paper “Is Mathematical Truth Time Dependent?” Professor Grabiner gives several reasons for the changing nature and requirements in rigor that occurred over this period of two hundred years. In this talk I will briefly summarize her conclusions, particularly in light of how they might influence a Christian perspective on mathematics.

Models, Values, And Disasters, Michael H. Veatch

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2019

Decision-support models have values embedded in them and are subjective to varying degrees. Philosophical and ethical perspectives on operations research models are used to describe this subjectivity. Approaches to model building are then suggested that take into account subjectivity and values. For the decisions to reflect the right values, the model must align with the decision-maker’s values. I argue that it is appropriate and important for Christians applying mathematical models to be keenly aware of decision-maker’s values and seek to reflect them in the model. Disaster response planning is presented as an example where incorporating values is challenging. The responding …

Factors That Motivate Students To Learn Mathematics, Dave Klanderman, Sarah Klanderman, Benjamin Gliesmann, Josh Wilkerson, Patrick Eggleton

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2019

What motivates some students to want to learn mathematics while others do not share similar motivation? Are these factors intrinsic, extrinsic, or a combination of both? To answer these questions, we adapted a survey originally developed by Tapia (1996) and later shortened by Lim and Chapman (2015). We administered the survey in multiple middle schools, a high school, and multiple colleges and universities. We obtained over 100 completed surveys for each of these educational levels. This presentation offers an analysis of these data, including descriptive statistics and confidence intervals for each educational level. For the college and university sample, we …

Thinking Beautifully About Mathematics: A View Of Mathematics As The Science Of Measurable Orders, James M. Turner

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2019

At Calvin College, First Year Students are required to take a section of our Discovering the Christian Mind course during our January term. For the past 3 years, I have taught a section of this course titled Thinking Beautiful ly about Mathematics. In it, I explored, with the students, various areas of mathematics, as well as how mathematicians have explored them, while addressing such questions as “Is mathematics invented or discovered?” and “Why is mathematics unreasonably effective?” Ultimately, we look to identify ways and characterizations for how beauty displays itself in mathematics and how and it what ways beauty is …

Marin Mersenne: Minim Monk And Messenger; Monotheism, Mathematics, And Music, Karl-Dieter Crisman

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2019

If you have taught a number theory course or even watched the mathematical news, you know that occasionally a new (and enormous) “Mersenne prime” is discovered. Those who have introduced students to the prehistory of calculus may know of a certain Marin Mersenne as the interlocutor who drew Fermat and Descartes (and others) out to discuss their methods of tangents (and more). But who was Mersenne, and what did he actually do? This presentation will give an overview of his times, his role in the history of science, and his own writings. We’ll especially look into why a monk from …

Analyzing The Impact Of Active Learning In General Education Mathematics Courses, Amanda Harsy, Marie Meyer, Michael Smith, Brittany Stephenson

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2019

This talk shares the preliminary results of a study that explores the general perceptions and attitudes of students in general education mathematics courses taught using primarily active learning- based methods (like group work, projects, and discovery learning), and compares them with those enrolled in a general education mathematics course taught in a more traditional and lecture-based method. We present an analysis of survey data collected throughout the semester, which explores the disposition and mindset of students, their mathematical confidence and anxiety, and perceptions of pedagogical methods used for the teaching of mathematics. We also explored how these perceptions and dispositions …

Computer Science: Creating In A Fallen World, Russell Tuck

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2019

When God created people in his image, he gave us the gift of sub-creation. One of the great joys of Computer Science is exercising that gift to create tools : software and computer systems that serve people and solve problems. Like all God’s gifts, he charges us to exercise the gift of sub-creation wisely and for good. While there are many obvious implications and challenges, being good stewardship of users’ time and reducing discrimination are particularly relevant and perhaps less obvious examples. Although computer scientists exercise the gift of sub-creation, we do so as fallen people in a fallen world. …

A Unifying Project For A Tex/Cas Course, Andrew Simoson

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2019

We describe a CAS and TEX usage course for mathematics majors. As a unifying project, each student selects two primes p and q with pq < 100, explores mathematical pq ideas, and generates associated graphs, figures, tables for a final TEX paper. We summarize several pq explorations: stu- dents render page pq from Schwartz’s picture book about primes, You Can Count on Monsters, via Mathematica and TEX’s picture environment; students generate fractal images of pq; and students discover the primes of the ring Z r√pql.

Introduction (2019), Association Of Christians In The Mathematical Sciences

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2019

No abstract provided.

Paper Abstracts (2019), Association Of Christians In The Mathematical Sciences

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2019

No abstract provided.

Table Of Contents (2019), Association Of Christians In The Mathematical Sciences

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2019

No abstract provided.

Association Of Christians In The Mathematical Sciences Proceedings 2019, Association Of Christians In The Mathematical Sciences

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2019

The conference proceedings of the Association of Christians in the Mathematical Sciences biannual conference, May 29-June 1, 2019 at Indiana Wesleyan University.

Schedule (2019), Association Of Christians In The Mathematical Sciences

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2019

No abstract provided.

Beyond The Transcript: A Narrative Analysis Of Students' Experiences With Academic Dismissal In A Baccalaureate Nursing Program, Angela Edwards Capello

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

ABSTRACT

Re-defining different is the first step in addressing inequity in nursing education and the disparities that result in a high incidence of academic dismissal in baccalaureate nursing programs. What are the students' differences that contribute to one student’s ease of progression through a baccalaureate nursing program and those who struggle from the first semester?

This study provides a private look into the experiences of nine baccalaureate nursing students who were academically dismissed from their nursing program. Each story chronological from the time they decided to pursue nursing to their experiences during nursing school and to their lives after dismissal. …

Preparing Teachers For A Diverse Classroom, Sean O'Rourke, Jonathon Arndt

Education Presentations at National and International Conferences

This project investigated the research question: How do changes in inter-cultural competency (ICC) compare among pre-service teachers at three data collection points? Intercultural competency was defined as “the capability to accurately understand and adapt behavior to cultural differences and commonalities” (Hammer & Bennett, 2010). The study was based on the Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity (Bennett, 1986), which identified five orientations toward cultural differences: denial, polarization, minimization, acceptance, and adaptation. Data was collected from 48 undergraduate students who majored in elementary education. Investigators hypothesized that students would have a statistically significant change in their ICC from the beginning of their …

Proceedings Of The Global Conference On Education And Research: Volume 3, Waynne B. James, Cihan Cobanoglu

University of South Florida (USF) - M3 Publishing

This is the third volume of the Global Conference on Education and Research Proceedings Series.

ISSN: 2572-6374

What Can A Studio Approach To Teaching Tell Us About The Academic And Social Learning Of Middle School Students? An Exploration Of Student Understanding Of How Making Art Supports Their Academic And Social Learning., Maureen Creegan- Quinquis, Maureen A. Creegan-Quinquis

Educational Studies Dissertations

This study explores the types of social and academic learning typically overlooked in public school education. Art-based approaches to academic learning have been labeled as“fluff.” Education policymakers hold a biased view of the arts. When asked to consider art as a viable epistemology, cognition theorists have dismissed art as irrational. These biased views have contributed to the marginalization of the field of art education. The purpose of this study was to question this bias through an art-based studio approach to research. The goal was to explore how middle school students understand the role of visual arts in their own academic …

A Mixed Method Study Of Community Development In Online Learning Envirnonments, Rachel Olshine

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the effect of synchronous and asynchronous communication methods on a sense of community development in online learning environments. The researcher surveyed 734 online students at a small private school in East Texas, examining the variables of synchronous and asynchronous communication methods to evaluate the sense of community experienced in online learning environments.

The study used a convergent mixed method using the Classroom Community Scale along with supplemental open-ended questions. A factorial analysis was conducted, resulting in two factors: supportive relationships and a sense of reliance. The responses expressed the use of discussion boards, emails, and self-recorded videos …

Sjsu Erfa Annual Meeting Minutes, May 10, 2019, San Jose State University, Emeritus And Retired Faculty Association

SJSU ERFA Minutes

SJSU ERFA Executive Board Minutes

May 10, 2019

Enhancing Access And Success Of Underserved Students In Dual Enrollment Programs, Theodore Mbaegbu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examines dual enrollment activities and their impact with a focus on equitable recruitment, persistence, and targeted success mechanisms for Black students and students from low-income families. The lived experiences of four former students from diverse racial and socio-economic backgrounds, and the perspectives of ten dual enrollment practitioners garnered from a purposeful sampling of two Southwestern Pennsylvania universities inform the study. A qualitative approach examines interviews, focus group, and survey data through thematic investigative interpretation to yield common and unique experiences and perspectives relevant to recruitment processes, funding, support systems, and observed outcomes. The findings indicate how adequate preparation, …

Sjsu Erfa Board Minutes, May 6, 2019, San Jose State University, Emeritus And Retired Faculty Association

SJSU ERFA Minutes

SJSU ERFA Executive Board Minutes

May 6, 2019

Spotlight On Using Mentor Texts In Writing Instruction: Turning To Books For Ideas, Dana Sudhoff

Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Literacy

Researchers have found a connection between reading and writing instruction and the benefits the instruction has on students’ reading comprehension and writing expression. The purpose of this action research study was to explore the effectiveness of the use of mentor texts on the writing of 22 students in grade 3. Curricular methodology consisted of selected trade books used as mentor texts to represent the various genres and natural language structures inherent within children’s books so that students had consistent models of good writing as they attempted to emulate various authors’ styles of writing. Data collection consisted of a teacher-made questionnaire …

Comparing Absorbed Doses Of Properly And Improperly Collimated Abdominal Exposures, Ignacio Birriel

Faculty Research at Morehead State University

The purpose of this study was to calculate and compare the absorbed doses of properly and improperly collimated repeat examination exposures and to measure the anode heel effect to determine the difference in intensity between the cathode and anode ends of the x-ray beam. The investigators wanted to document the amount of additional radiation a patient receives due to improper collimation techniques and determine whether the difference in intensity between the anode and cathode ends of the x-ray beam was large enough to cause concern for increased patient absorbed doses for specific radiography examinations.