1997 Massasoit Community College Brockton, MA

NEMATYC'97 was held at Massasoit Community College, Brockton, Massachusetts, on Friday and Saturday, April 11,12, 1997. The theme was Surfing Towards 2000. Vice president and program chair was Kath Soderbom.

Executive Committee - 1996-1997

Friday

Banquet Speaker

Dr. Robert Rose, President, Massasoit Community College

Presentations

Teaching, Learning, and Problem Solving
Paula Wolf, Suffolk University
This hands on workshop will introduce the participants to "process education" with new learning/teaching styles. It will include critical thinking, problem solving, and assessment strategies. The approach is also very effective with block scheduling in the secondary schools. It is especially helpful in preparing students with real-life transferable skills for the work place.

Collaborative Discovery Lessons for PreAlgebra
Jim Sullivan, Massachusetts Bay Community College
This session will present an alternative to the traditional Prealgebra material that dominates the market. Rather than focus on drill and practice problems that follow a prescribed recipe, this material provides a discovery approach to learning concepts using interesting and real life problems from the world around us.

Incorporating Meaningful Problem Solving in an Introductory College Course
Fides P. Ushe, Springfield College
Findings from a study I conducted on students' beliefs about the nature of mathematics and about mathematical problem solving indicated that students enrolled in introductory mathematics courses at the college level hold beliefs that are very much the opposite of the recommendations of the Standards for Introductory College Mathematics before Calculus. As a result, I have incorporated meaningful problem solving activities into courses at this level. For the presentation, I would like to share with the participants how technology (graphing calculators, computer spreadsheets), cooperative learning, and problem solving can be brought together in an introductory college mathematics course.

Mathematics Laboratories for Engineering Technology
Gary Simundza, Charlene Solomon, Wentworth Institute of Technology
Laboratory investigations integrating graphing calculator/computer technology with engineering and design applications will be demonstrated. Taught by an interdisciplinary team of faculty at Wentworth Institute of Technology, these exercises introduce mathematics topics through hands-on technical problems, ranging from a building site excavation for three dimensional modeling to an electronic signal-conditioning circuit as an example of a composite function. The laboratories are appropriate for the algebra-trigonometry/precalculus level.

Saturday

Luncheon Speaker
Philip Mahler, Regional Vice-President of AMATYC
Three Topics

A Quick Tour of the TI-83
Thomas Pandolfini, Joyce Oster, Johnson & Wales University
This presentation will describe some of the features of Texas Instruments' latest graphing calculator, the TI-83, that make it an enhanced version of the TI-82. Applications of inferential statistics and the mathematics of finance will also be demonstrated. Calculators will be available for participant use.

Using Technology to Surf the Waves of Calculus Reform
Robert Kowalczyk, Adam Hausknecht, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
Technology is the window through which the key concepts of calculus can be visualized. Examples will be presented for using technological tools in your everyday teaching to help your students learn to think mathematically and to develop a true understanding of calculus. A glimpse of calculus reform in technological action!

Statistics: Meaning Vs Mechanics
Gary Tataronis, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences
Often in basic statistics courses, interpreting and understanding take a back seat to plugging and chugging. I will discuss my style of teaching a three semester hour statistics course (without a computer laboratory component) designed to focus student attention on meaning while simultaneously de-emphasizing formula mechanics.

How Graphing Calculators Change the Teaching and Learning of Trigonometry
Dr. William Boelke, Central Connecticut State University
The relationship between trigonometry and circular functions a la the NCTM standards will be demonstrated on a graphing calculator. Utilizing a cycle to create tables and graph sinusoidal functions will be demonstrated on a Casio graphing calculator.

Alternative Delivery Systems for Introductory Algebra
Jack Keating, Lois Martin, Kath Soderbom Massasoit Community College
Three models of non-traditional formats for teaching Introductory Algebra: self-paced with competencies, increased contact hours, and a modular system, will be offered. All three, as well as the conventional 3-hour lecture course, are used at Massasoit Community College. Course structure and personal experience with these formats will be presented.

Students' Attitudes towards Vocabulary within Mathematics
Cornelius Nelan, Quinnipiac College
The speaker has conducted experiments with his students that indicate that they do not see any point in understanding the basic vocabulary of mathematics. Students want to use words as cues as to which method to use to solve a particular problem, without necessarily knowing what the words mean in the first place.

Writing in Mathematics Helps Answer the Eternal Question - "What Do I Need Mathematics For?"
Ted Panitz, Cape Cod Community College
Writing as part of a mathematics curriculum can be used to accomplish several very different objectives including: student reflection on students' real life uses of mathematics; assessment of their performance in class or on tests; review concepts covered in class and questions which remain in students' minds; reflect on what transpired during class; encourage collaborative learning; assess class methods. This workshop will be facilitated using collaborative techniques. Participants will be encouraged to share their experiences using writing in mathematics classes.

Algebra through Image Processing with MathSoft's StudyWorks
Frank Purcell, MathSoft, Inc.
This presentation will illustrate some ways of using simple image processing to motivate basic ideas and techniques of algebra and analysis. This approach is being actively investigated in several projects including Algebra through Image Processing at the University of Washington and Image Processing for Teachers at the University of Arizona (modules based on image-processing software from NIH). These projects typically use a menu-and-mouse driven front end to a core of image processing routines. The beauty of the StudyWorks environment is that all the mathematics is completely visible. In this world the language of mathematics gives students control of interesting results, and an understanding of functions and matrices pays off in interesting and sometimes spectacular effects.

The Election Project: Providing Statistics to Political Scientists
Joan Weinstein, Pine Manor College
This presentation reports on the results of a joint project linking statistics students with political science students. Periodically during the semester, the statistics students, individually or in groups, analyzed results of surveys of student voting intentions, including written summaries of their findings, with the aim of explaining statistical results to political science students who knew no statistics, but who needed to understand the statistical results in order to analyze them in terms of political trends and influences.

Factor x⁸ - 3x⁵ - 4x⁴ - 5x³ + x² + 2x + 2 - An Introduction to Computer Algebra
Philip Mahler, Middlesex Community College
Computer Algebra Systems, like that on the TI-92, have tremendous power for factoring, among other things. Mathematics educators should become aware of the mathematical knowledge base with which a CAS factors. This includes modular arithmetic, polynomial long division, and linear algebra. For anyone using CASs

Minitab
Barry Woods, Unity College
Minitab, an easy to use statistics package for many computer platforms including IBM-PC and Macintosh will be demonstrated. Hand-outs from the PC version of the Student Edition of Minitab will illustrate to presentation participants both descriptive and inferential statistics data entry, sorting, graphing, and printing all done using Minitab.
This presentation is for anyone considering the integration of computer technology into a statistics course of any level, introductory, intermediate, or advanced.

On the Calculation of Finite Sums by Integration
David Mello, Johnson & Wales University
In the solution of many mathematical problems, one is often required to calculate a finite sum such as: , where is some function whose domain is the set of natural numbers. Thus far, in the literature, the calculation of such sums is usually accomplished by finite difference methods, or the utilization of various "mathematical tricks" which exploit the given form that may take in a specific application. A very simple alternative to the above is to use definite integration coupled with the concept of an excess. In this session, the author demonstrates how this method may be used to calculate some typical sums encountered by most students in their mathematical studies.

"You'll Like It, You'll Really Like It": Statistics and the Academy Awards
Thomas Pandolfini, Joseph Alfano Johnson & Wales University
Each year considerable interest is generated by the announcement of Academy Award nominations and the resultant buzz over who will win the Oscar. This presentation will demonstrate how standard topics in descriptive statistics and probability can be enhanced through the use of interesting applications involving Academy Awards' data. Databases in Excel format will be distributed to attendees.

The Project Enhanced Classroom
Peter Rosnick, Lindy Gougeon, Peter Letson, Sue MacLeod Greenfield Community College
This presentation will be a panel discussion describing projects done across the mathematics curriculum. We discuss the underlying pedagogy of project-enhanced curricula and the logistics of bringing such learning to the classroom. We will take questions from and brainstorm with faculty at the presentation to discuss ways of bringing projects into their courses.

Effects of a Concept-Oriented Introductory Statistics Course on Attitudes towards Mathematics and Statistics
Dr. Philip Amato, Dr. Eike Satake Emerson College
This presentation will focus on the effects of a concept-oriented introductory statistics course on attitudes towards statistics and mathematics anxiety among non-mathematics majors at the college level, specifically students majoring in communication studies and performing arts. The results of two self-reporting survey instruments, administered on a pre-post test basis, will be subjected to univariate and multivariate analyses.

A Hot One in Seville
Steve Krevisky, Middlesex Community - Technical College
The eighth International Congress on Mathematics Education (ICME - 8) took place in Seville, Spain, in July, 1996. In this presentation, I wish to share, with NEMATYC members, some of the interesting things which took place there. Meeting people from all over the world was a special highlight of the conference.

Using the Internet/Intranet in a Finite Mathematics Class
Mark Duston, Johnson & Wales University
The use of the net and browsers opens up an additional channel for communications with students. It also makes an effective tool for research. For the past year and a half, I have been using it in all my mathematics classes. The approach has both benefits and pitfalls. A compendium of research projects and net sources will be presented.

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Participating Publishers

• Addison Wesley
• Edutron
• Houghton Miflin
• ITP
• Prentice Hall
• Texas Instruments

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by the NEMATYC President, Elaine Previte.

Minutes of the last meeting

No minutes of the last meeting were submitted.

Reports

Two reports were received concerning finances.

From Elaine Previte, President

Dean College/NEMATYC Events

Graphing Calculator Workshop

Item	Expenses	Income
Registration Fees		$380.00
Supplies	$75.60
Food	$344.40	$420.00
Net		($40.00)

Treasurer's Report, from Gail Gail St. Jacques

Month	Opening Bal.	Chk #	Description	Withdrwl	Dpst	Balance
3/21/96	$2,193.55		Mainten. fee	$8.00		$2,185.55
		145	Blane Cory (flutist)	$50.00		$2,135.55
		146	S. Gonsalves (mouse pads)	$360.00		$1,775.55
		147	E. Previte (supplies)	$126.66		$1,648.89
			Mainten. fee	$8.00		$1,640.89
5/31/96	$1,640.89		Mainten. fee	$8.00		$1,632.89
6-8/31/96	$1,632.89		missing 3 month's statemnts	$24.00		$1,608 .89
9/30/96	$1,608.89		Mainten. fee	$8.00		$1,600.89
10/31/96	$1,600.89	276	Mary Margaret Shoaf	$100.00		$1,500.89
			Mainten. fee	$8.00		$1,492.89
11/30/96	$1,492.89		Mainten. fee	$8.00		$1,484.89
12/31/96	$1,484.89		Mainten. fee	$8.00		$1,476.89
1/31/97	$1,476.89		Mainten. fee	$8.00		$1,468.89
2/28/97	$1,468.89		Mainten. fee	$8.00		$1,460.89
3/31/97	$1,460.89		Mainten. fee	$8.00		$1,452.89

Old Business

Steve Krevisky addressed some concerns he had about the perceptions of some concerning MATYCONN. He noted that MATYCONN deals with many issues particular to Connecticut.

1.  

New Business

1. Northeast Region AMATYC Vice President Philip Mahler
   Some of Phil's experiences with the AMATYC board (positive) were shared, as well as some of the highlights of the Spring Board Meeting.
2. Discussion of Dues v. conference costs. President Previte talked about possible changes in the fee structure. Issues included
   1. a food fee
   2. 1 registration fee in the case of multiple presenters
   3. 50% fee rate for presenters
   4. Our membership fee is currently $5.00
3. Election of Officers

The following officers were elected.

Vice President	Ted Panitz	Cape Cod Community College
Secretary	Tom Pandolfini	Johnson & Wales University
At-Large Member	Alec Ingraham	New Hampshire College
At-Large Member	Maureen Woolhouse	Middlesex Community College

Adjournment

Registration List

Joseph Alfano	Johnson & Wales Univ.
Shirley Alfano	Providence College
Philip Amato	Emerson College
Allen Angel
Danielle Bailey	Massasoit CC
Sally Barney	Massasoit CC
Frank Battles	Mass. Maritime	fbattles@mma.mass.edu
Susan Blain	Mt. Wachusett CC	s_blain@mwcc.mass.edu
William Boelke	Central CT State Univ
Martha Boles	Bradford College	mboles@bnet.bradford.edu
Bernice Bowdoin	Bristol CC	bbowdoin@bristol.mass.edu
Rick Butterworth	Massasoit CC	terwo@tiac.net
Jean Caputo	Massasoit CC
Judy Carter	North Shore CC	jcarter@mecn.mass.edu
Phyllis Chase	Hesser College
Judeth Cobb	Bradford College	jcobb@bnet.bradford.edu
Sheila O'heir Coelho	Massasoit CC
Eleanor Collins	Northeastern Univ	elecollin@neu.edu
Lora Connelly	North Shore CC
Ann Corbeil	Massasoit CC	acorbeil@mecn.mass.edu
Cory Coulsey	Massasoit CC
Sean Culpepper	Massasoit CC
Geri Curley	Bunker HIll CC
Miriam Currier	Quinnipiac College	currier@quinnipiac.edu
Joyce Cutler	Framingham State College	jcutler@frc.mass.edu
Donna Desimone	Bunker Hill CC
Claire Driscoll	Northeastern Univ.
Mark Duston	Johnson & Wales Univ.	mduston@jwu.edu
Elaine Falcone	Mt. Wachusett CC	e_falcone@mwcc.mass.edu
Susan Faulkenberry	Bristol CC	sfaulken@rocky.bristol.mass.edu
Beth Fraser	Middlesex CC	fraserb@middlesex.cc.ma.us
Gary Garcia	Massasoit CC
Evelyn Giusti	Johnson & Wales Univ.
Mary Lee Goguen	Middlesex CC
Regina Ernst Goodwin	Middlesex CC	goodwinr@admin.mcc.mass.edu
Melinda Gougeon	Greenfield CC	gougeon@cms1.gcc.mass.edu
Edward Guiliani	CCCC
Phyllis Hanlon	Northeastern Univ
Adam Hausknecht	UMass Dartmouth	ahausknecht@umassd.edu
Carol Hay	Middlesex CC	hayc@ middlesex.cc.ma.us
Joyce Hayes	Massasoit CC
Susan Hoy	Bristol CC
Alec Ingraham	New Hampshire College	ingrahal@nhc.edu
John Jacobs	Mass Bay CC	jacobsjo@mbcc.mass.edu
David Julin	Holyoke CC	djulin@mecn.mass.edu
Jack Keating	Massasoit CC	jkeeting@mecn.mass.edu
Paula Keefe	Massasoit CC
Laura Kelliher	Mass. Maritime	lkelleher@mma.mass.edu
Linda Amaral Kelly	Massasoit CC
Roberta Kieronski	UNH at Manchester	robertak@christa.unh.edu

Jillian Knowles	Bradford College
Robert Kowalczyk	UMass Dartmouth	rkowalczyk@umassd.edu
Stephen Krevisky	Middlesex Comm-Tech
Robert Lapierre	Johnson & Wales Univ.
Michael Lee	ITP
Peter Letson	Greenfield CC	letson@cms1.gcc.mass.edu
David Levine	Houghton Mifflin
Zenobia Lojewska	Springfield College
James Luthy	Central Maine Tech College
Susan Macleod	Greenfield CC	macleod@cms1.gcc.mass.edu
Gerald Magnan	Bristol CC	jmagnan@bristol.mass.edu
Philip Mahler	Middlesex CC	mahlerp@ middlesex.cc.ma.us
David Malone	Massasoit CC
Christopher Manson	Massasoit CC
Clifford Martin	Whitman-Hanson Reg H S	martinc@meol.mass.edu
Lois Martin	Massasoit CC	lmartin@mecn.mass.edu
Catherine Maurer	Massasoit CC
Charles Mazmanian	Johnson & Wales Univ.
Cecilia Medeiros	Bristol CC	cmedeir@bristol.mass.edu
David Mello	Johnson & Wales Univ.
Robert Melucci	Community College of Rhode Island	r_melucci@ids.net
Katherine Morgan	Addison Wesley
April Murphy	Massasoit CC
Thomas Murphy	Cape Cod CC
Cornelius Nelan	Quinnipiac College	nelan@quinnipiac.edu
Joyce Oster	Johnson & Wales Univ.	interact@aol.com
Dora Ottariano	Middlesex CC
Thomas Pandolfini	Johnson & Wales Univ.	profdisco@aol.com
Ted Panitz	Cape Cod CC	tpanitz@mecn.mass.edu
James Porter-Hamann	Prentice Hall
Elaine Previte	Dean College
Frank Purcell	MathSoft
Ann Robertson	Mitchell College	aroberts@charger.newhaven.edu
Marianne Rosato	Massasoit CC
Pres. Robert Rose	Massasoit CC
Judith Salmon	Hesser College	esalmon@jlc.net
Eike Satake	Emerson College
Helene Savicki	Dean College	hsavicki@dean.edu
Dolores Shea	Massasoit CC
Gary Simundza	Wentworth Inst.	simundza@wit.edu
Premjit Singh	Johnson & Wales Univ.	psingh@jwu.edu
Kerryn Snyder	Massasoit CC
Kath Soderbom	Massasoit CC	ksoderbom@mecn.mass.edu
Charlene Solomon	Wentworth Inst.	solomonc@wit.edu
Judie St Cyr	Massasoit CC
Gail St Jacques	Johnson & Wales Univ.	gstjacqu@jwu.edu
Michael St. Vincent	Merrimack College	mstvincent@merrimack.edu
Peg Stevenson	Massasoit CC
Dick Sturgeon	Univ of Southern Maine	sturgeon@usm.maine.edu
Jim Sullivan	Mass Bay CC	sulliv18@mbcc.mass.edu

Gary Tataronis	Mass College of Pharmacy	gtataronis@mcp.edu
Fides Ushe	Springfield College	Fides_P_Ushe@scns.spfldcol.edu
Carmine Vallese	Johnson & Wales Univ.
Sandy Weeks	Johnson & Wales Univ.
Joan Weinstein	Pine Manor College	weinstej@pmc.edu
Paula Wolf	Suffolk University	pwolf@zeus.clas.suffolk.edu
Barry Woods	Unity College
Maureen Woolhouse	Middlesex CC	woolhousem@middlesex.cc.ma.us
Negash Yusuf	Cape Cod CC

Additional NEMATYC members

Hollace Bristol	NW CT Comm-Tech College	nw_bristol@commnet.edu
Christine Cunningham	Mt. Allison University	ccunningham@mta.ca
Lucy Dechene	Fitchburg State College	ldechene@fsc.edu
Edutron Corporation
Sandra Ketcham	Berkshire CC	sketcham@cc.berkshire.org
Michael Latina	Community College of Rhode Island	mlatina@ccri.cc.ri.us
Roger Loiseau	Naugatuck Valley
James McDonald	STCC	mcdonald@mail.stcc.mass.edu
Suellen Robinson	North Shore CC
Domenico Rosa	Teikyo Post University	rosa@mail.teikyopost.edu
Texas Instruments