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Proceedings Of The Third Annual Meeting Of The Georgia Association Of Mathematics Teacher Educators Front Matter

Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Georgia Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators

Contents of 3rd Annual GAMTE Proceedings Front Matter:

• Proceedings Committee
• Officers of GAMTE
• Purposes and Goals of GAMTE
• Table of Contents
• Letter from President

Analysis Of Achievement For Understanding Geometry, Annita W. Hunt

Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Georgia Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a mathematics professional development course. More specifically, in this study we examine whether geometric experiences have an impact on level of performance in mathematics. The van Hiele (Fuys, D., Geddes, D., & Tischler, R., 1988) model of geometric understanding provided a research framework from which to view geometric understanding. This model suggests five levels of understanding that should be taken into consideration when examining levels of geometric thinking: Visual, Descriptive/Analytic, Abstract/Relational, Formal Deduction/Proof, and Rigor. The sample under study was three cohorts of practicing elementary teachers and mathematics coaches …

Content Knowledge And Pedagogical Content Knowledge Of Algebra Teachers And Changes In Both Types Of Knowledge As A Result Of Professional Development, Joy W. Black

Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Georgia Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators

In seeking to improve the mathematics education of all students, it is important to understand the connection between the content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge of mathematics and how professionals can influence growth in both of these types of knowledge. We do not have an answer about the interplay of content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge in successful instructional practices in the mathematics classroom. This study involves assessing the content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge of secondary teachers of Algebra I. In addition, how are these types of knowledge expressed in instructional practices? Last, how do content knowledge, pedagogical content …

Authentic Discovery Projects In Statistics, Dianna J. Spence, Robb Sinn

Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Georgia Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators

We report the activities and findings of a 3-year project, ―Authentic, Career-Specific, Discovery Learning Projects in Introductory Statistics,‖ funded by the National Science Foundation. The project scope includes: 1) development of teaching materials for using discovery learning projects to teach statistics; 2) training secondary teachers to use the materials developed; 3) evaluation of student outcomes, in both content knowledge and attitudes toward statistics; and 4) extending and refining teacher training. With input from an interdisciplinary team of instructors, materials were developed to assist the teacher in facilitating collaborative discovery projects using linear regression techniques and comparison techniques with appropriate t-tests. …

Inside Unlv, Diane Russell, Michelle Mouton, Mamie Peers, Shane Bevell

Inside UNLV

No abstract provided.

Inside Unlv, Diane Russell, Shane Bevell, Michelle Mouton, Erin O'Donnell, Mamie Peers, Grace Russell, Deana Waddell

Inside UNLV

No abstract provided.

Benefits Of Leed Designs In Arkansas K-12 Schools, Philip Thrift

Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

This paper provides and evaluation of an existing LEED certified sustainable green building for energy-efficiency, environmental impact, economic value, and occupant health. The new Bethel Middle School located in Bryant, Arkansas was the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified public school building in the state. Based on actual building specifications and validated with the first year's utility bills, a simulation model was used to evaluate various design aspects of the school building. The building's baseline energy usage was compared with numerous energy and environmental scenarios. Results include both environmental and economic assessments. Overall, the study found that …

It's All About The Teachers: Bank Street's Math For Teachers As Professional Development, Robin Hummel

Graduate Student Independent Studies

This work describes a professional development initiative that was based on the graduate course, Mathematics for Teachers in Diverse and Inclusive Educational Settings (K-6), taught by Linda Metnetsky at Bank Street College of Education. The author wrote and implemented this professional development initiative for teachers in her former district: a large, middle class, suburban school district outside of Philadelphia. It consisted of six full day sessions, held from October through April during the 2004-05 school year. Eleven teachers from third, fourth, and fifth grades participated, and the impact of this professional development on two participants is the focus of this …

Inside Unlv, Shane Bevell, Mamie Peers, David Ashley, Diane Russell, Michelle Mouton, Grace Russell

Inside UNLV

No abstract provided.

Title Page

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

No abstract provided.

Oceanography Professional Development In Virginia Via Collaboration, Field Integration, And Inquiry, K. St. John

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

Seventy-nine in-service teachers completed one of six sections of a grant-funded, graduate-level, summer course entitled, Oceanography, that was offered at four different locations in Virginia between 2005 and 2007. The majority of the teachers enrolled with the objective of obtaining their add-on earth science endorsement through the Virginia Earth Science Collaborative (VESC). Oceanography was designed to integrate the following: 1) the ocean science disciplines of geology, chemistry, physics, and biology; 2) inquiry-based learning strategies, quantitative activities, and technology; and, 3) Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) field experience with classroom experiences. These design themes were informed by ocean science content …

Virginia Earth Science Collaborative Astronomy Course For Teachers, E. M. Murphy, H. Geller, M. Bentley

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

We describe the development and implementation of a professional development course for teachers of grades 4-12 designed to increase their content knowledge in astronomy, space science, and the nature of science using interactive presentations, and hands-on and inquiry-based lessons. The course, Space Science for Teachers, encompasses the astronomy and nature of science components of the Virginia Standards of Learning for grades 4-12 [1]. In addition to increasing their content knowledge, teachers gain experience using innovative teaching technologies, such as an inflatable planetarium, planetarium computer software, and computer controlled telescopes. The courses included evening laboratory sessions where teachers learned the constellations, …

Maximizing The Impact Of Professional Development For Earth Science Teachers, W. M. Frazier, D. R. Sterling

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

This study examines the extent to which follow-up sessions can provide support for earth science teachers as they apply what they learn from professional development coursework during the academic year with their own students. Data include direct observation of follow-up sessions of courses for teachers; interviews with course co-instructors and teacher participants; and, document analysis of teacher products with a focus on the lesson plans, laboratory/activity sheets for students, and virtual field trips that teacher participants submitted and shared during follow-up sessions. Strategies are recommended to assist earth science content faculty in increasing the impact of their work with teachers …

"Spotlight On Earth Science" Symposium: An Overview, E. Pyle

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

On September 18-19, 2006, James Madison University (JMU) hosted a one and half day symposium entitled, “Spotlight on Earth Science,” highlighting current resources and technology available for earth science teachers, and invited teachers to share effective practices learned in their program coursework through the two Mathematics and Science Partnerships (MSP) funded by the Virginia Department of Education. The symposium supported a pooling of expertise among participants to initiate the definition and resolution of the persistent issues in earth science education in Virginia. A total of ninety-six teachers, university faculty, curriculum supervisors, policymakers, and business/government/industrial representatives participated. Three themes were addressed: …

The Kaprekar Routine And Other Digit Games For Undergraduate Exploration, K. Peterson, H. Pulapaka

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

The Kaprekar Routine is a famous mathematical procedure involving the digits of a positive integer. This paper offers natural generalizations of the routine, states and proves related results, and presents many open problems that are suitable for mathematical research at the undergraduate level. In the process, we shed light on some interesting facts about digit games.

Two Boats, Three Summers, Five Universities, One Dozen Instructors, And Sixty-Five Teachers: A Collaborative Oceanography Field Program For Earth Science, V. Clark, C. Hopper-Brill, C. Petrone

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

A three-day field workshop was an integral component of the graduate-level course entitled, Oceanography, that was offered by Virginia Earth Science Collaborative Project (VESC) to help Virginia educators earn the earth science teaching endorsement. The VESC partner institutions that offered Oceanographngeorge Mason University, James Madison University, the University of Virginia Southwest Center, and Virginia Commonwealth University-lacked direct access to research and education facilities en the coast. The College of William & Mary, another VESC partner, provided this resource through the Virginia Institute of Marine Science’s (VIMS) Eastern Shore Laboratory in Wachapreague, Virginia. The field program agenda and activities were developed …

Proceedings Of The Second Annual Meeting Of The Georgia Association Of Mathematics Teacher Educators Front Matter

Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Georgia Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators

Contents of 2nd Annual GAMTE Proceedings Front Matter:

• Proceedings Committee
• Officers of GAMTE
• Purposes and Goals of GAMTE
• Table of Contents
• Letter from President

Virtual Vs. Concrete Manipulatives In Mathematics Teacher Education: A Call For Research, Annita W. Hunt

Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Georgia Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators

Are virtual manipulatives as effective as concrete (hands-on) manipulatives to build conceptual understanding of number concepts and relationships in pre-service middle grades teachers? In the past, the use of concrete manipulatives in mathematics courses for Clayton State University’s preservice middle grades teachers has proven to be a very effective way to build conceptual understanding of a variety of mathematical topics. This paper presents an argument for the need for research into the usefulness of virtual manipulatives for enhancing mathematics teacher education and their potential to supplement (or replace?) concrete manipulatives.

Virginia Earth Science Collaborative: Developing Highly Qualified Earth Science Teachers, J. Cothron

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

A collaborative of seven institutes of higher education and two non-profit organizations developed and implemented five earth science courses totaling eighteen credits that enabled secondary teachers to acquire an add-on earth science endorsement: Geology 1: Physical Geology (4), Geology II: Geology of Virginia (4), Oceanography (4), Astronomy (Space Science for Teachers) (3), and Meteorology (3). These courses were collaboratively developed and included rigorous academic content, research-based instructional strategies, and intense field experiences. The thirty-three sections offered statewide served 499 participants. Three courses were offered to strengthen the skills of earth science teachers: Teaching Eath Science Topics to Special Education Students …

Meteorology And Cimatology: On-Line Weather Studies, J. A. Mulvany, M. Bentley, E. Pyle

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

Through the Virginia Earth Science Collaborative (VESC), a partnership of nine institutes of higher education, non-profit organizations, and eighty-three school divisions, a 3-credit, graduate-level meteorology course was offered six times between Spring 2006 and Fall 2007. The course, entitled Meteorology, was offered at three locations (Richmond, Abingdon, and Harrisonburg), and a local instructor facilitated each section. Funding for the course development, instructor stipends, and participant expenses (including travel, meals, and tuition) was provided through a competitive Mathematics and Science Partnership (MSP) grant funded through the federal No Child Left Behind legislation of 2001. The framework of the course was the …

Geology Of Virginia For Teachers At Radford University, J. Tso

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

The Radford University version of the Virginia Earth Science Collaborative‘s Geology of Virginia was taught during Summer 2006 and 2007, and was entitled, Geology of Virginia for Teachers (GEOL 691). A total of eighteen teachers, primarily from southside and southwestern Virginia, attended the class. The goal of the course was to provide essential knowledge and advanced skills in geology in general, and the geology of Virginia in particular. The course had a strong field emphasis, using Virginia as a natural teaching laboratory to illustrate such concepts as plate tectonics, rock interpretation, and Steno‘s Laws. Lectures and lab activities were used …

School Division Leaders Keen On In-School Mathematics Experts, D. Blount, J. Singleton

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

No abstract provided.

Aims & Scope

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

No abstract provided.

Contents

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.

Actively Engaging Pre-Service Teachers In Geometry And Measurement, Kadian M. Callahan

Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Georgia Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators

Current work in mathematics education suggests that the learning experiences in which teachers engage during undergraduate study influences their knowledge of and beliefs about mathematics and the ways in which they will teach (Allen, et. al., 2008; CBMS, 2001; Hill, Rowan, & Ball, 2005; National Research Council, 2001). However, very little is known about pre-service teachers’ learning experiences and how those experiences influence their thinking about mathematics teaching and learning. The classroom excerpt described here attempts to illuminate how pre-service, elementary teachers’ active engagement in the learning of geometry and measurement influences their mathematical power: a positive disposition toward mathematics, …

Becoming Critical Mathematics Pedagogues: A Journey, David W. Stinson

Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Georgia Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators

This session will report the findings of a study that explored the beginning transformations in the pedagogical philosophies and practices of three mathematics teachers (middle, high school, and 2-year college) who completed a graduate-level mathematics education course that focused on critical theory and teaching for social justice, and how these transformations are compatible (or not) with reform mathematics education as suggested by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), and in turn, the new Georgia Performance Standards (GPS). The study

employed Freirian participatory research methodology; in fact, the participants were not only co- researchers, but also co-authors of the …

The Paaps Strategy For Teaching Mathematics Content, Greg Harrell

Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Georgia Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators

In the fall of 2005, I started teaching the mathematics content course Algebra and Geometry for Teachers. The majority of students in the course are pre-service middle school teachers. Instead of teaching the course by demonstrating rigorous proofs, I wanted to use teaching strategies that would build the students’ content knowledge and connect to their roles as future mathematics

teachers. I chose to make problem solving a focal process standard by having students problem- solve for a majority of classroom time. In addition, the students complete a major project entitled

“Provide, Attempt, and Assess Problem Solving” or PAAPS. For PAAPS, …

Preservice Teachers’ Disposition Self-Appraisals: Is There A Connection To Mathematics Instructional Practices?, Shonda Lemons-Smith

Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Georgia Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators

This paper explores preservice teachers’ dispositions and the connection to mathematics instructional practices. The Theory of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy served as the theoretical grounding for the study. Hence, its three broad propositions: conceptions of self and others, social relations, and conceptions of knowledge structure the argument presented. The participants in the study are elementary preservice teachers enrolled in a post-baccalaureate alternative certification program. The full-time, accelerated program focuses on and is specifically designed for individuals committed to teaching in urban, high-poverty schools. A dispositions survey, open-ended narratives, and teaching observation rubric served as data sources for the qualitative study. Findings …

Teach A Course In The Math Of Voting And Choice, Karl-Dieter Crisman

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2007

Many mathematics instructors at the college level are looking for a curricular option that has the potential to serve a number of different constituencies. It could be to encourage more students to take math courses, or to give worthwhile options to students who need to take math but who are not ready for calculus (or its sequence). On the other hand, one may wish to add a new course for majors outside of the typical offerings, or even to prepare students for undergraduate research. The mathematics of voting and choice is ideally suited to meet all these needs in the …