2004 Mt. Wachusett CC Gardner, MA

NEMATYC Treasurer's Report 4/2/04 Bank Account Balance, March 15, 2003 $9103.56 INCOME: Interest $46.85 Membership 435.00 Scholarship Fund 232.00 NEMATYC 2003 450.00 NEMATYC 2003 Profit 1586.64 $2750.49 EXPENSES: Newsletter expenses $841.43 Award 31.99 Executive Board Meetings 248.66 Membership Drive 37.74 Scholarship Fund 34.25 AMATYC Hospitality Sponsor 200.00 NEMATYC 2004 300.00 Website Domain Name 50.00 $1744.07 Bank Account Balance, March 15, 2004 $10109.98 Respectfully submitted, Lois A. Martin Treasurer

Program

FRIDAY, April 1

2:45 pm - 3:30 pm

New Probability Rules of Succession: An Alternative Version of LaPlace's Rule

Presenters: Dr. Eiki Satake and Dr. Philip P. Amato

This paper presents a probability model originally developed by the Marquis de Laplace (1749-1827), one of the great pioneers in the development theory of probability. His theory involves looking at "inference from effects to causes." The authors will present a Bayesian model, known as "Inverse Bayesian Inference," that yields an interesting proof of Laplace's Rule using some relevant examples.

100% Math Project - Targeting Success

Presenter: Linda Murphy

The Massachusetts Community College's 100% Math Project targets the single most important problem facing American higher education - the failure rates in developmental mathematics. The goal of the project is to develop and implement innovative student placement, instructional content, faculty professional development and program effectiveness evaluation that significantly increases student success in developmental mathematics.

Reconciling the Abstract Definition of a Limit with the Students' Concrete Intuition

Presenter: Kathleen Peters

The talk will demonstrate techniques for Calculus students to use when encountering a "limit". The examples are taken from a workbook on limits which I am authoring. The overall intent is to help students take the rigorous view that the notion of a limit is a dynamic one and is the fundamental concept in Calculus.

3:45 pm - 4:30 pm

Order and Disorder: Entropy in Nature, Math and Science, and the Arts

Presenters: Dr. Sol Neeman and Frank Tweedie

The relation between order and disorder is a profound one and manifests itself in various areas of science and math, in nature and in the arts. In the discipline of physics, the amount of disorder in a system has been quantified by the concept of entropy and in nature it poses an intriguing question when we consider biological systems. In the arts it is the balance between the regular and irregular, the expected and the unexpected that makes a piece of art valuable. In this talk we examine some of the manifestations and implications of order and disorder in the fields of physics, mathematics, information theory, nature and the arts.

Bridging the Gap Between Mathematics and the Physical Sciences

Presenter: Gregory Quenell

The Vector Calculus Bridge Project offers materials and faculty workshops that seek to bridge the gap between the traditional teaching of algebraic manipulations and the geometric reasoning often used in the physical sciences. This talk illustrates some language differences between mathematicians and other scientists, and demonstrates some of the materials.

Psychology and Statistics: A Critical Partnership

Presenters: Evelina Lapierre and Cheri Almeida

While psychology has traditionally been, and continues to be, a popular subject at colleges and universities, many students find it difficult to accept the merits of statistically-sound psychological theories. This presentation will describe various psychological studies and illustrate the role that correlation has played in drawing relevant conclusions. The presenters will also analyze results taken from surveys administered to their own students. You can administer these surveys as well, and incorporate an interesting application into your statistics class.

SATURDAY April 2

9:30 am - 11:15 am

Elementary Algebraic Models in Our World: An Alternative Approach to College Algebra

Presenters: Jen Tyne, Bob Franzosa and Todd Zoroya

At the University of Maine, we developed Elementary Algebraic Models in Our World (MAT103) as an alternative to College Algebra with the goal of improving students' attitudes about, and understanding of, simple algebraic models. We developed the course to provide an opportunity for a successful mathematics experience, something many MAT103 students have never had. And along with a successful mathematics experience, we want students to be able to recognize, interpret, and understand simple algebraic models that they might encounter outside the mathematics classroom.

An Activity-Based, Context-Rich Approach to Developmental Mathematics

Presenter: Gary Simundza

Students in developmental mathematics courses have a greater chance of succeeding if they see mathematics as relevant to their world. The presenter has developed a context-rich, applications-based curriculum for the elementary and intermediate algebra levels. Participants will experience a discovery approach to concept development by exploring one or more activities from the curriculum. Both mathematical topics and pedagogical issues will be addressed.

9:30 am - 10:15 am

Web Based Homework, Quizzing, and Course Management for Mathematics

Presenter: Kevin O'Brien

During this presentation, the Addison Wesley Technology Specialist will present two web-based resources being offered with Addison Wesley math texts. These web resources would be of interest to instructors looking to offer easily accessed online homework, quizzes, practice problems, and tutorials to enhance a traditional course, as well as those teaching hybrid and online courses. Both these resources correlate directly with the scope and sequence of math texts that Addison Wesley publishes.

Mathematics, Art, and the Renaissance World

Presenters: Tom Pandolfini and Joseph Delaney

This presentation will address the role of mathematics in the creation of classic works of Renaissance art and architecture. The ideals and values of the Renaissance will be described, and an analysis of works of art such as da Vinci's Last Supper and Raphael's The School of Athens will be made. The mathematical principles of perspective, proportionality, and the Golden Mean will be prominently featured, and a list of related websites will be distributed. Add a little culture to your math classes!

Demonstration of Techniques for Customizing Classroom Interaction Using a Tablet Personal Computer (PC)

Presenter: Lyn L. Benton

The Tablet PC replaces and integrates the use of both overhead projectors and PowerPoint presentations. With very little computer proficiency, an instructor is able to customize the material interactively with student participation. At the end of class a complete and permanent record is available to the students.

Content can range from traditional hand writing and drawing of equations and graphs using multi-colored pens and hi-liters to pre-defined content that can be marked up on the screen during the class.

Joining Forces for Student Success in Elementary Algebra

Presenters: Mary Horan and Sally Lesik

Student success in Elementary Algebra (MATH 099) at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) has improved significantly over the past five years (from 50% to 80%). Two main contributing factors that we believe have influenced this increase in success are professional development for instructors and a continuous collaboration between the Learning Center and the Department of Mathematical Sciences. We would like to share our experiences and ideas at the 2004 NEMATYC conference.

10:30 am - 11:15 am

Using Excel and the TI-83 Plus to Interpret the Central Limit Theorem

Presenter: Dr. Emmett C. Dennis

A simulation study will be presented to test the validity of the Central Limit Theorem using the excel spreadsheet and the TI-83 Plus. Students can visualize the results of the C.L.T. and their understanding will be enhanced.

Applying the 7 Principles of Good Undergraduate Education to Math Courses

Presenter: Ted Panitz

This session will explore how the 7 Principles of Good Undergraduate Education may be used as a basis for increasing student performance and retention in math courses, especially developmental math courses. The 7 Principles were developed by the American Association of Higher Education to serve as a guide for colleges interested in focusing their attention on students and student learning. The 7 Principles call for student centered learning including cooperation among students. To that end three cooperative learning techniques will be demonstrated during the session. They include pair-reading-explaining, pair-interviews and introductions, and round robin brainstorming. Participants will work together to develop ideas for implementing the 7 principles in their math classes. For an introduction to the 7 Principles please visit the following web site: <http://www.hcc.hawaii.edu/intranet/committees/FacDevCom/guidebk/teachtip/7princip.htm>

New Online Math Technology with EduSpace, Powered by Blackboard

Presenters: Leonid Tunik and Chris Hyde

Houghton Mifflin will be demonstrating new interactive online tutorial lessons for mathematics. The content of the tutorials will include text, images, interactive online activities, and examples. The tutorials will incorporate video, audio, and animation. They have been carefully authored to engage students and guide them through specific learning objectives corresponding to Houghton Mifflin math textbooks. All of the tutorials will be integrated into the new version of Houghton Mifflin's online course platform, Eduspace, which is now powered by Blackboard.

35 Years of Unparalleled Fun

Presenter: John Jacobs

This is my last semester and my last presentation will be a summary of the fun things encountered in the 35 years as a math teacher. Participants will be invited to tell their bad math joke provided the presenter doesn't tell it first. Prizes (I need to empty my math and poetry bookshelves) will be given to those who can answer useless trivia like when was George Washington born and what does that have to do with math?

1:45 pm - 3:20 pm

The Mathematical Preparation of Future Elementary Teachers

Presenter: Dr. Brian Beaudrie and Dr. Barbara Boschmans

This presentation will begin with a discussion of the mathematical content typically covered in courses designed to prepare future elementary teachers in mathematics. In conjunction with this discussion, activities used to teach mathematical concepts to the students in these courses will be demonstrated, with time at the end of the presentation for discussion of any questions the audience may have pertaining to the mathematical education of prospective elementary teachers.

1:45 pm - 2:25 pm

Improving Student Performance in Developmental Mathematics

Presenter: Tom Carson

Most developmental students have had bad experiences with math in their past, so they have a great deal of anxiety and animosity towards the subject. I call this math "baggage." In the presentation, I will share a three step approach that I have found to be effective in overcoming that baggage.

1. Deal with the baggage

2. Equip students for success

3. Motivate students through enrichment

Regarding math baggage, I will share stories that I use to put the fear of failure in perspective. Also, I will share how sports can be used to answer the "big" questions: "Why do I have to take this?" and "When will I ever use this?".

I believe the most important thing that we do as developmental educators is to equip students for success. We may teach reading, writing, and math skills in our courses, but I believe we have a greater purpose, which is to teach students how to learn. I will discuss how I use learning styles and a study system to equip students for success. The study system involves organizing a notebook a specific way, writing color-coded notes, and creating study materials. I will summarize this portion of the discussion with some student testimonies about how the system changed their academic lives.

In the third part of the presentation, I will share how to use art, music, history, science, etc. to turn some ordinary math problems into discussions that excite students. I will also share a song that I use in the classroom as a sing-a-long to learn the rules for signed numbers.

The net effect of the approach is that student's anxieties are dispelled (or at least diminished), they know how to study effectively, and they actually enjoy mathematics. I will conclude with some tracking statistics that show a trend of improvement in student performance not only in my prealgebra classes, but also in target courses that follow prealgebra.

Have You Ever Seen A Number?

Presenter: Herb Gross

Strange as it may seem, no one (other than mathematicians) thinks of numbers as nouns. That is, we see 3 fingers, 3 apples, 3 people, but never "threeness" by itself. By selectively choosing the noun a number modifies, we can simplify the traditional arithmetical algorithms and supply a vehicle whereby mathematics from K through 12 can be presented in the form of a seamless transition. The same theme can also be used to help students develop a better number sense. For example, a million seconds is about 12 days and a billion seconds is about 31 years. Students often confuse a million and a billion but no one confuses 12 days with 31 years. (On the other hand, it won't be a million days since the birth of Jesus until the 26th century!)

In this presentation we will show how the "adjective/noun" theme allows us to replace any problem involving fractions with an equivalent problem that uses only whole numbers.

Exploring the Use of Mathematica in a PreCalculus Course

Presenter: Yoav Elinevsky

In this presentation you will hear how Mathematica and the Web were used in the course. We will discuss the benefits and problems from the instructor and student's points of view of using Mathematica. Is this the way mathematics courses will, or should, be taught in the future? What about blackboard work? What does it take to learn how to use Mathematica? Should Mathematica be used in every mathematics course in our curriculum? Should it be used in a lecture-based classroom or a lab, or both?

This has been a very exciting experiment for me. I can no longer imagine teaching multiple sections of the course, or any PreCalculus or Calculus course, without using Mathematica-based presentations in the classroom. Mathematica is a platform that allows for creativity and variety that can meet the specific needs of each different group of learners. It can be used to create a Power Point presentation or it can be used as an interactive Computer Algebra System (CAS) by the instructor AND the students. Both ways can be beneficial for the instructor and the students.

Keeping Your Class in the Palm of Your Hand

Presenter: Mark Duston

HP palmtop PC's were distributed to group of faculty with a diverse computing background. In addition to the palmtop units, docking stations and synchronization software were supplied including EXCEL templates for record keeping and grading. In addition, the software was able to synchronize and update contact lists and calendars with MS Outlook. Instructor experiences and student reactions will be presented.

Adjuncts Helping Adjuncts

Presenters: John Jacobs and Jack Kim

A round table discussion of problems encountered and some of their solutions. Adjuncts are encouraged to bring concerns. A list of employers, contacts (who actually hires), department chairs, helpful web sites, and publisher contacts will be distributed.

2:35 pm - 3:20 pm

Maintaining a Lively Classroom to Reduce Stress and Enhance Student Learning

Presenter: Gary R. Tataronis

The use of humor as a way to reduce stress and enhance student learning in the mathematics classroom will be discussed. In addition, specific examples (including impersonations and sound effects) utilized in Algebra, Calculus, and Statistics courses will be presented. Attendees should have a sense of humor.

Industrial Strength Math

Presenter: P. Brady Townsend

The Math in Industries Institute at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (http://www.wpi.edu/Academics/Depts/Math/CIMS/teachers/about.php) is dedicated to developing real world applications that can be used in the classroom to excite students about the possibilities math can offer. I've had the good fortune to be involved with the program for the past four years, writing and preparing many of the industrial projects currently available (http://users.wpi.edu/~imphss). Whether for algebra or post-calculus students, these projects give students a satisfying answer to the eternal question: When are we ever going to use this stuff? The industrial projects are open-ended questions whose answers often reflect the individual insights and perspectives of the students working to solve them. This summer will mark the third Math in Industries Institute conference at WPI, but I think the uniqueness and exciting approach of these industrial problems can be a great asset to every teacher.

Improving Student Success in Intermediate Algebra

Presenter: Elaine Previte

For nearly three years, Quinsigamond Community College has been working to improve the success of its developmental students in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics through its Title III grant. The presenter has piloted a unified course in Intermediate Algebra, and the data show that student performance is on the rise! Materials and data will be shared with participants.

The Mathematics of Time Travel

Presenter: David Mello

The presenter will discuss the basic mathematics of Special Relativity and show how first-year students can perform simple calculations relating to time travel. Some of the most interesting paradoxes of relativity are discussed, along with how this material can be used to engage students enrolled in elementary mathematics courses.

Annual Meeting and Elections 

Exhibitors 2004

Sponsors:

Houghton Mifflin - Saturday breakfast

McGraw-Hill - Friday and Saturday refreshments

Prentice Hall - Friday and Saturday refreshments

Thomson Learning - Friday and Saturday refreshments

Door Prizes

Addison Wesley, Houghton Mifflin, Key College Publishing, Texas Instruments, Thomson Learning, Barnes & Noble, Books Are Fun, MWCC Foundation, Theater at the Mount, NEMATYC

NEMATYC wishes to thank the following for their assistance:

JoAnn Brooks, Art Collins, Harrison Gonzalez, Dawn Grigarauskas, Marsha Hersey, Jacob Knoll, Don Knower, Brian LeBlanc, Luz Lopez, MWCC Massage Therapy Students, Martha Rainville, Chris Rathier, Holly Schultz, Ed Terceiro, Barry Tisdale, Charles Weitze

Registration List