2016 PNW Section NExT Schedule                                                         March 31 & April 1, 2016

Oregon State University                                                                                           Corvallis, OR  

                                                                                                                                         Directions

 

Thursday

 

6:30 p.m. Informal Gathering:  McMenimans on Monroe   - upstairs

 

 

Friday                                                                                                  Willamette Seminar Room

 

8:00 a.m.         Registration/Coffee

 

8:05 a.m.         Greeting and Introduction of New Fellows

 

8:10 a.m.         Session 1: Alternative Methods of Assessment

 

9:00 a.m.         Coffee Social

 

9:40 a.m.         Session 2: Preparing your file for Tenure or Promotion

 

10:40 a.m.       Session 3:

 

11:00 a.m.       BREAK

 

11:10 a.m.       Session 4: Teaching an Active Curriculum: Helping Students Constructively Persevere Through the Problem Solving Process

 

11:40 p.m.       Lunch: Market Place West (We have a room reserved.)

 

1:30 p.m.         Session 5: Experiences in POGIL-ish Calculus

 

2:30 p.m.         Session 6:  What’s NExT?

 

2:45 p.m.         Project NExT Meeting Adjourns. (MAA Minicourses begin at 3:00 p.m.)

 

6:00 p.m.         Dinner: Big River (We have a reservation.)

           

8:00 p.m.         Evening Public Lecture: David Pengelley – LINC 128

 

 

 

 

 

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 2015 PNW Section NExT Abstracts

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Session 1

 

Presentation: Alternative Methods of Assessment

Organizer: John Foster (Walla Walla University)

 

Abstract: Traditionally, an instructor assesses students' understanding by reading their written responses to a sample of exam questions, but the disadvantages of this system have lead some to explore alternative forms of assessment.  We will share our experiences with oral exams and mastery grading and reflect on how well these have helped us to meet our teaching goals.

 

Speakers: John Foster (Walla Walla University), Carolyn James (University of Portland), A. J. Stewart (Seattle University)

 

 

Session 2

 

Panel Discussion: Preparing your file for Tenure or Promotion

Organizers:  Christine Cole (Seattle University) and Hans Nordstrom (University of Portland)

 

Abstract: While specific expectations for tenure and promotion will be different depending on the institution where we teach, many of us will apply for promotion or tenure at some point during our career.  In this session, we will hear from panelists who have successfully navigated the tenure and promotion process.  We will also hear about the process from the other side, from panelists who have served on promotion committees, or have mentored junior faculty preparing for promotion.  In the first part of this session, panelists will share their own experience with the tenure and promotion process, and in the second part, the floor will be opened to questions, comments, contributions from the audience.

 

 

Panelists:  Chris Black (Central Washington University), Stuart Boersma (Central Washington University), Holly Swisher (Oregon State University), Amy Yielding (Eastern Oregon University)  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Session 3

 

Presentation: The bridge between two year and four year.

Organizer: Jen Townsend (Bellevue College)

 

 

Abstract:  Who are your transfer students? What is their background in mathematics? How can you help them succeed? A look at the students that transfers from two year to four year schools, and a discussion of 1)how we can better prepare them in the 2-year system and 2)how we can better support them in the 4-year system.

 

Speaker: Jen Townsend (Bellevue College)

 

 

Session 4

 

Presentation: Teaching an Active Curriculum: Helping Students Constructively Persevere Through the Problem Solving Process

Organizer: Stuart Boesrma  (Central Washington University)

 

Abstract: The concept of teaching an active curriculum may be new to recently appointed mathematics faculty members. Central to the concept of teaching an active curriculum, is the idea of constructive perseverance, which leverages struggle to facilitate the learning process. In this session, participants will explore the idea of constructive perseverance by examining curricular materials that provide opportunities for student struggle, and discuss different approaches that faculty members can take to ensure that students constructively persevere through this struggle and embrace the problem solving process.   

 

Speaker: Frank Savina (The Charles A Dana Center)

 

 

Session 5: Presentation: Experiences in POGIL-ish Calculus

Organizer: Kate Kearney (Gonzaga University)

 

Abstract:  Dr. Coufal and Dr. Shultis have been experimenting over the last year with teaching Calculus through guided workshops inspired by the POGIL method (Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning).  They will share a sample workshop, discuss what their methods were, and discuss some of their successes and struggles over the last year.

 

Speakers: Vesta Coufal (Gonzaga University), Katharine Shultis (Gonzaga University)