Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons^™

Pk Mathematics, Jeremy Case

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2011

An examination of the historical development of mathematics and how mathematical history has changed by looking at mathematicians who were also PKs (Preacher’s Kids).

History Of Mathematics: An Exercise In Strengths, Mary Walkins

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2011

As a leader in strengths-based education, Lee University encourages each new student, since fall of 2003, to take the Gallup StrengthsFinder to determine their top 5 signature themes (out of a possible 34). At Lee, the syllabus for the History of Mathematics course calls for students to write a paper on a mathematician. In the fall of 2009, as an added dimension, students were asked to critically think about and incorporate the strengths they believe that mathematician may have. Each student was required to compare and contrast his or her strengths with those of the mathematician. This was done with …

The Study Of Mathematics: A Text From A Christian Perspective, Doug Phillippy

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2011

This paper examines the integration of the Christian faith with the teaching of mathematical texts using the author’s textbook, The Study of Mathematics: Developing a mature understanding of mathematical thought, with consideration of Christian faith and vocation.

The History Of The Area Between A Line And A Parabola, Gordon A. Swain

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2011

This is a review of various methods used by many mathematicians to determine the area of the segment bounded by a parabola and a line. We include descriptions of proofs from the Greek period (Archimedes), the Arabic period (ibn Qurra and ibn Sinan), and the 1600's in European (Galileo, Roberval, Fermat and Wallis, among others), in order to display the changing nature of mathematics.

Pascal’S Thoughts Seen In The Light Of Scripture, Loredana Ciurariu

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2011

In this paper we study Pascal’s character via his writings. There are indications that his health might have deteriorated following the experiments he had done using mercury. He talks in his Pensées about faith, grace and purity of the heart, about the peoples and the way in which God leads them, about wisdom, dreams and hopes and that which lies in the human heart. If a statistics was done concerning the most used books and verses from the Bible in Pensées, these would be: Ecclesiastes, Proverbs, Matthew, Mark, Jeremiah, Hebrews, Romans, Luke, Isaiah, Psalms. But those which occupy a central …

Two Faith Integration Projects For Freshman Majors, Nicholas J. Willis

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2011

Two projects will be presented that integrate faith and Mathematics in a freshman Introduction to Proofs class at George Fox University. The first project asks students to look at the life of a Christian Mathematician. The focus of this project is to show students that many great mathematicians also had immense faith. The second project asks students to take a close look at their own life. How do they plan to live a life of Christian faith in their chosen profession? Both projects are designed to encourage students to look at their careers in Mathematics as a vocation.

The Search For Hamilton, Eric Gossett

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2011

In July and August of 2009 my wife and I went on a four-week trip to Scotland and Ireland. We would be visiting Dublin, so I decided that we should visit the famous bridge where William Rowan Hamilton carved the equations for the quaternions. The task was not as simple as I had assumed. This paper gives some details of the search.

Where, Oh Waring? The Classic Problem And Its Extensions, Brian D. Beasley

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2011

This paper will sketch brief outlines of Edward Waring’s life and the history behind the eventual solution to his famous conjecture about expressing positive integers as the sum of kth powers. In addition, it will present some of the related questions currently being studied, such as expressing sufficiently large integers as sums of powers, sums of powers of primes, and sums of unlike powers.

Connecting Mathematics Students To Philosophy And Faith, Nathan Moyer

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2011

This paper describes a class project that helps students wrestle with the deep philosophical questions of mathematics in a relevant way. Through article readings and group discussions, various historical views of mathematical philosophy are examined and critiqued. An emphasis is placed upon students making meaningful connections between their own views of mathematics and their personal Christian faith or worldview.

Paper Abstracts (2011), Association Of Christians In The Mathematical Sciences

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2011

Eighteenth Conference of the Association of Christians in the Mathematical Sciences

Introduction (2011), Russell Howell

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2011

Eighteenth Conference of the Association of Christians in the Mathematical Sciences

Table Of Contents (2011), Association Of Christians In The Mathematical Sciences

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2011

Eighteenth Conference of the Association of Christians in the Mathematical Sciences

Schedule (2011), Association Of Christians In The Mathematical Sciences

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2011

Eighteenth Conference of the Association of Christians in the Mathematical Sciences

Planting The Seeds Of Computational Thinking: An Introduction To Programminsuitable For Inclusion In Stem Curriculag, Eric Freudenthal, Art Duval, Sarah Hug, Alexandria Ogrey, Kien Lim, Catherine Tabor, Rebeca Gonzalez, Alan Siegel

Selected Works Temporary Series

Inadequate math preparation discourages many capable students – especially those from traditionally underrepresented groups – from pursuing or succeeding in STEM academic programs. iMPaCT is a family of―"Media Propelled" courses and course enrichment activities that introduce students to―"Computational Thinking." iMPaCT integrates exploration of math and programmed computation by engaging students in the design and modification of tiny programs that render raster graphics and simulate familiar kinematics. Through these exercises, students gain experience and confidence with foundational math concepts necessary for success in STEM studies, and an understanding of programmed computation.

This paper presents early results from our formal evaluation of …

Acms 18th Biennial Conference Proceedings, Association Of Christians In The Mathematical Sciences

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2011

Association of Christians in the Mathematical Sciences 18th Biennial Conference Proceedings, June 1-4, 2011, Westmont College, Santa Barbara, CA.

Extensiveness And Perceptions Of Lecture Demonstrations In The High School Chemistry Classroom, Daniel S. Price

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Theses and Other Student Research

            While lecture demonstrations have been conducted in chemistry classrooms for hundreds of years, little research exists to document the frequency with which such demonstrations are employed or their effect on learners’ motivation and performance.  A mixed-methods research study was performed, using quantitative and qualitative survey data, along with qualitative data from follow-up interviews and structured correspondence, to determine the extent to which lecture demonstrations are used in high school chemistry instruction, and the perceived effects of viewing such demonstrations on students’ performance on course assignments and on motivation to excel in current and future chemistry courses.  Fifty-two randomly selected chemistry …

Planting The Seeds Of Computational Thinking: An Introduction To Programminsuitable For Inclusion In Stem Curriculag, Eric Freudenthal, Art Duval, Sarah Hug, Alexandria Ogrey, Kien Lim, Catherine Tabor

Departmental Papers (Math)

Inadequate math preparation discourages many capable students – especially those from traditionally underrepresented groups – from pursuing or succeeding in STEM academic programs. iMPaCT is a family of―"Media Propelled" courses and course enrichment activities that introduce students to―"Computational Thinking." iMPaCT integrates exploration of math and programmed computation by engaging students in the design and modification of tiny programs that render raster graphics and simulate familiar kinematics. Through these exercises, students gain experience and confidence with foundational math concepts necessary for success in STEM studies, and an understanding of programmed computation. This paper presents early results from our formal evaluation of …

Developing Pedagogical Content Knowledge Of Science Teachers Through Action Research: A Case Study From Pakistan, Nelofer Halai, Manzoor Ali Khan

Institute for Educational Development, Karachi

The aim of this study is to analyze the action research undertaken by Khan as a teacher researcher in a private school as part of the degree requirement of his M.Ed. program in Teacher Education at the Aga Khan University, Institute for Educational Development. The purpose of this analysis undertaken by the first author and supervisor of the study in collaboration with Khan was to understand the development of Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) of the teacher researcher through action research in a science classroom in the context of Pakistan. Khan taught the concepts of heat and temperature using an inquiry …

How Much Do U.S. University Students Know, And Want To Know, About Sustainability And Green Building? The Findings Of A Survey, And Possible Implications For General Elective Curricula., Jeremy R. Farner

Purdue Polytechnic Masters Theses

Using the survey approach, this investigation examined the attitudes and interest of college students at two universities in different geographic locations within the United States.  Approximately 24,000 students from all disciplines and majors at Weber State University (WSU) in Utah, and 4,000 at Purdue University in Indiana, were invited to participate in a study to determine current knowledge, familiarity, and interest in topics within the sustainability and Green Building educational arena. The goal of this study was to determine what students already know, would like to know, and how much interest there would be in developing …

Experiential Learning Curricular Development Model For Stimulating Student Interest In Green Collar Careers, Sally E. Arnett, Allen Kitchel, John G. Cannon

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

Green jobs are in high demand, yet there is lack of a trained workforce for the green industries. Early exposure to green careers can stimulate future employment interest among students. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an experiential learning unit of instruction designed to expose students to and develop knowledge about the green collar workforce. The study used a mixed method research design. A purposive sample of 101 (n=101) secondary students in career development type classes were given a pre-test, treatment, and post-test that involved both quantitative and qualitative responses. The findings revealed that the …

One Step On A New Journey, Salima Shahzad Arwani

Institute for Educational Development, Karachi

No abstract provided.

An Exploration Of Materials For Music Integration In Elementary Science Education, Nicole Jennet Mills

HIM 1990-2015

Strong educators always look for different ways to excite and enthrall their students in the curriculum. The field of science education often loses student interest due to the complexities and vocabulary found in the scientific realm. Incorporating music into the classroom has shown positive results as a way to integrate student learning and a different way of facilitating students in the learning process (Brewer, 1992; Davies, 200). Resources for implementing the integration of music and science exist throughout the Internet in a variety of mediums. This study looks at the availability of said resources and the concepts they cover, for …

Learning Middle School Mathematics Through Student Designed And Constructed Video Games, Camille M. Mccue

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Mathematics achievement is an area in which American precollege students are faltering. Emerging research suggests that making mathematics instruction relevant and applicable in the lives of youth may impact math achievement, especially when it capitalizes on high-interest technologies such as video games.

Employing a quasi-experimental and descriptive approach, this study examined the mathematics (i.e., numbers and operations, algebra, geometry, measurement, and probability) that middle school students employed during their design and construction of video games. First, it examined the mathematics content learned by 19 sixth and seventh graders during their analysis, synthesis, and programming of three video game projects over …

Investigating The Effects Of A Combined Problem-Solving Strategy For Students With Learning Difficulties In Mathematics, Dustin B. Mancl

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Many students, specifically those with learning difficulties in mathematics, struggle when presented with word problems to solve. With this in mind, the purpose of this research was to examine the effects of the READER Strategyon word problem performance of students with mathematics disabilities and students who are at-risk to fail in mathematics. There were two parts to this research. Part One was implemented using a single-subject design (i.e., multiple-probe across participants) and Part Two was implemented using a group design (i.e., 2 x 4 factorial design). The single-subject design included three participants identified as having mathematics disabilities. There were two …

Bridging Professional Development And Context: Integrating Mathematics And Academic Language In A District Facing Takeover, Patricia Swanson, David Whitenack

Faculty Publications

This quasi-experimental, multi-phase study uses mixed methods to evaluate a professional development initiative focused on integrating mathematics and academic language. The context is a highly diverse urban district facing state takeover. The professional development focused on the understanding of key mathematics concepts and developing content-specific academic language. It linked explicitly to district-adopted texts and prescribed lesson formats. Teachers perceived the strategies to be feasible and beneficial to student learning, and had high rates of implementation. Nonetheless, pacing guides pressuring teachers to quickly cover content pose challenges for continued implementation. Implications for (1) professional development focusing on integrating subject-matter content and …

Counting Cailloux, Multiplying Mambos: An Analysis Of Mathematics Education In Cameroonian Primary Schools, Rachel Elzinga

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This paper summarizes the results of a four-week study of mathematics education in Cameroonian primary schools. In order to fully understand the topic, the research included not only mathematics curriculum, but also methods of instruction, the system for teacher preparation, and an evaluation of community perceptions. Data collection integrated participant observations in two francophone primary schools in Dschang, interviews with primary school teachers, interviews with ministry of education officials, and survey data from teachers and community members in Yaoundé, Ngaoundéré and Dschang. Overall, three conclusions were drawn from the data collected. First, that mathematics is perceived as important by the …

Children's Voices: Students' Attitudes About Routine And Nonroutine Mathematics, Deborah E. Seacrest

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Theses and Other Student Research

This dissertation is a case study focused on the question, "What are students' attitudes toward school mathematics and toward nonroutine math problems and mathematical games?" It addresses the definitions of some of those terms and then moves on to a literature review that suggests that some change in the curriculum may be needed. In an attempt to begin determining whether nonroutine problems and mathematical games could help, students in two different types of classes were introduced to such problems and games. Their attitudes were assessed using a variety of methods, including observation, interview, and journal writing.

The games and problems …

‘New Directions For Traditional Lessons’: Can Handheld Game Consoles Enhance Mental Mathematics Skills?, Susan Main, John O’Rourke

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

This paper reports on a pilot study that compared the use of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) handheld game consoles (HGCs) with traditional teaching methods to develop the automaticity of mathematical calculations and self-concept towards mathematics for year 4 students in two metropolitan schools. One class conducted daily sessions using the HGCs and the Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training software to enhance their mental maths skills while the comparison class engaged in mental maths lessons using more traditional classroom approaches. Students were assessed using standardised tests at the beginning and completion of the term and findings indicated that students who undertook the Brain …

The Impact Of Bilingual Treatment On The Math Skills Of Hispanic High School Algebra Students, Robert Kirk

Education Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation was designed to measure the impact of instructional techniques in the Foundations of Algebra classroom to bridge linguistic barriers between Hispanic students and the language of teaching. Two consecutive years of failing to meet anticipated yearly growth among Hispanic students in Algebra I, as determined by the North Carolina End of Course exams, indicated a cognitive gap among these students when it comes to learning mathematics.

The writer developed an experiment to be delivered among 9 sections of Algebra in a North Carolina high school. The control group used Microsoft PowerPoint slides created for every lesson plan determined …

Ua64/2 The Challenge: Magazine Of The Center For Gifted Studies (No. 26, Winter 2011), Center For Gifted Studies, Tracy Inman Editor

Gifted Studies Publications

No abstract provided.