These lunch table conversations are intended to provide an opportunity for people to meet with
other colleagues from around the region to discuss topics that interest them while they eat.
Participants have the choice to self-assign themselves to topics and tables of their choice. So, those
who do not wish to be involved or who want to just catch up with math friends will have plenty of
opportunity to do that as well.
- AWM -- Issues Facing Women in Math: To discuss issues facing women in the mathematical
sciences. Possible subtopics include but are not limited to equal pay, encouraging and supporting
female students to enter the profession, creating community among women in the profession,
recruiting minority women into the profession, differences in teaching styles/classroom dynamics,
how to deal with discrimination, and equal distribution of resources to support research.
Moderators: Kristin Lauter & Eva Goedhart.
- How National MAA Can Better Support Regional Sections: Also, how can the sections better
position themselves to support and benefit from the national MAA? The Mathematical Association
of America is the world’s largest community of mathematicians, students, and enthusiasts. We
further the understanding of our world through mathematics because mathematics drives society
and shapes our lives. The mission of the MAA is to advance the understanding of mathematics and
its impact on our world. MAA's core values are community, inclusivity, communications, and
teaching & learning (maa.org). Moderator: Deanna Haunsperger (President of the MAA).
- Undergraduate Research: Faculty members enhance their teaching and contributions to society by
involving undergraduates in research (Council on Undergraduate Research). What are the
challenges of undergraduate research? Do you have suggestions for addressing these challenges?
What recent undergraduate research projects have taken place at your school? Can you suggest
examples of potential undergraduate research ideas/topics from the different areas of mathematics?
What other questions or ideas do you have for this topic?
- Technology in the Classroom: Appropriate use of technology in the classroom is becoming more
important in facilitating teaching and learning. What specific classroom technologies have you used
recently or thinking of using soon? What benefits or drawbacks have you found? What prevents
you from using technology more fully? How are you dealing with technological challenges? What
other questions or ideas do you have for this topic?
Thank you to Dr. Agashi Nwogbaga (Wesley College) for organizing the lunch table discussions. If you have a suggestion for a future lunch table discussion, please send him an email.
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