PNW Project NExT Schedule

Anchorage, ALASKA

UAA - Commons 106

Thursday, June 24, 2004

 

Schedule:

·        8:00am                   Registration/Coffee

·        8:15                       Greeting and Introduction of New Fellows

·        8:30  - 9:15            Session 1: Teaching Issues Below Calculus

·        9:15  - 9:45            Coffee Social

·        9:45 - 10:15           Session 2:  Workshop Statistics: An Alternative Approach to a  Standard Introductory Statistics Course

·        10:15 - 11:00         Session 3:  Alternates to Lectures

·        11:00 - 11:15         Short Break

·        11:15 - 11:45         Session 4: Effective Use of Writing Projects in Courses Near Calculus

·        11:45 - 12:30         Session 5: Continued Teaching Improvement

·        12:30 - 2:00           Lunch and Discussion Topic 6: What's NExT?

·        6:00pm                   Dinner

 

All sessions will be in Commons 106.

Session 1

Panel Discussion: Teaching Issues Below Calculus

Organizers: Chris Black (Seattle University) Ann Sitomer (Portland Community College) 

Panelists: Brian Blitz (Univeristy of Alaska, Juneau), Paul Casillas (Clark College), Paul Latiolais (Portland State University), Jenny Laveglia (Bellevue Community College)

Abstract: Our discussion will focus on a variety of teaching issues below calculus: strategies for helping students overcome algebraic misconceptions, helping students make the transition from a high school math curriculum to college math, and alternatives to the traditional precalculus courses.

Session 2

Presentation: Workshop Statistics: An Alternative Approach to a Standard Introductory Statistics Course

Speakers: Charles Dunn (Linfield College), Jennifer Nordstrom (Linfield College)

Abstract: The teaching of Introductory Statistics has long presented challenges in the undergraduate mathematics curriculum. The course is required by many majors outside of mathematics and thus has a high enrollment resulting in a high demand on mathematics faculty. In order increase student involvement and faculty interest in the introductory statistics course, we have implemented a workshop approach (using Rossman & Chance, Workshop Statistics). We will discuss our experiences with this course in both the regular semester and 4-week term settings. Issues we will cover include changes in the role of the instructor, use of technology, changes in expectations for student work, students' attitudes toward the course, challenges and rewards for the instructor.

Session 3

Panel Discussion: Alternates to Lectures

Organizers: Kelly Cline (Carroll College)

Panelists:   Stuart Boersma (Central Washington University), Mark Fitch (UAA), Mark Parker (Carroll College)

Abstract: We will discuss better and more effective things to do during class time than lecturing, such as having students do exploratory worksheets in small groups, or computer lab activities using Mathematica or Excel, or presenting the class with multiple choice questions and having each student vote on the answers.

 

Session 4

Presentation: Effective Use of Writing Projects in Courses Near Calculus

Presenters:  P. Gavin LaRose (University of Michigan)

Abstract: In this session we will discuss applied (and not-so-applied) writing

projects suitable for use in many undergraduate mathematics courses.  We

will give resources for projects and project ideas, and ideas of different

ways these may be incorporated into a class.  Finally we will consider

techniques for managing and grading this type of projects, with an eye on

reducing the instructor mortality rate.

Session 5

Panel Discussion:  Continued Teaching Improvement

Organizers: Mark Fitch (UAA), Holly Zullo (Carroll College)

Panelists: Kelly Cline (Carroll College), Judith Green (UAA), Jennifer Nordstrom (Linfield College), Shannon Overbay (Gonzaga University).

Abstract: We all know that we can get ideas for improving our teaching by attending conferences, but what can you do at your own institution? Our panelists will share their experiences with teaching development programs at their schools and discuss ways to get a program started at your own school.

Session 6

Discussion: What's NExT?

Moderator: Jenny McNulty (The University of Montana)

Abstract: This final session is intended to help us look back over the morning activities and decide on future directions and planning for subsequent meetings. We will also talk about NExT plans for UPS in 2005.