***CANCELED*** Math Teachers' Circles - Enjoying Mathematics as a Learner and a Teacher

2012 Cray Academy

Math Teachers' Circle engages secondary math teachers in mathematical problem solving and involves them in an ongoing dialogue about mathematics with students, colleagues, and professional mathematicians. In this course, you will grapple with interesting mathematics, as well as discuss possible applications to middle school pedagogy. Most morning sessions are focused on problem solving by providing a specific, yet open-ended, mathematical problem to collaborate on with fellow teachers, while in the afternoon we will discuss the pedagogical aspects of the topic.

We hope the highly interactive sessions, led by mathematicians, will enhance teachers’ content knowledge and problem-solving skills in the context of rich mathematical problems. By developing mathematical understanding and confidence, teachers become better equipped to bring creative, collaborative problem solving into their classrooms. Finally, we hope that teachers will be interested in continuing this endeavor through monthly Circle meetings during the school year to try new mathematical problems, socialize, discuss classroom experiences and pedagogy, and share a meal.

Presenters:

Frank Jury: “Grids: What Can We Ask About Grids on Graph Paper? Lots!”
Frank Jury currently teaches at UW-Stout. Frank received his M.A. in Teaching Mathematics in 1985 from the University of Montana and his B.S. in Secondary Education in 1977 from Western Montana College where he majored in mathematics and biology. Besides in his current position at UW-Stout, Frank has taught at Northern Arizona University and a variety of high schools. In addition, he has presented and attended many workshops on teaching and mathematics. Frank attended the AIM workshop on Math Teacher Circles in June 2011.

Ruth Carlson: “Probability: A Gentle Introduction to Problems Involving Randomness”
Ruth Carlson teaches at the Chippewa Valley Technical College. Ruth received her M.S. in mathematics from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2001 and her B.S. in Secondary Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1987 with a major in mathematics. She has worked as an Assistant Professor of Mathematics at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota, and a Mathematics Instructor at North Central Technical College in Wausau, Wisconsin. Ruth attended the AIM workshop on Math Teacher Circles in June 2011.

Richard Spindler: “Problem-Solving Techniques” and “Having Mathematical Fun With the Game of Set”
Rich has a Ph.D. and M.S. in mathematics and an M.S. in electrical engineering. He is currently teaching part-time at UW-Eau Claire and has also worked full-time as an assistant professor at Bemidji State University. In addition, he has taught in Gifted/Talented programs for four summers at the middle and secondary school levels, as well as AP Statistics to high school students. Rich also was a NeXT fellow (Sepia Dot – 1986). Finally, Rich has explored many different teaching methods, including attending a one-week workshop in 2007 on Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) techniques. He has subsequently taught and published notes using IBL for a complex analysis course. Rich attended the AIM workshop on Math Teacher Circles in June 2011.
 

Instructor of Record:  Richard Spindler

Course Assessment Requirements:

1. Attend all required days.
2. Write a reflection paper after each day's activities.
3. Complete an action plan 1-2 pages incorporating what you have learned from the course.
4. Complete an evaluation of the course providing meaningful feedback on its utility and possible improvements.

Fees:

• Registration Fee:  $80
• Session Fee:  $300 for non-consortium members
• Optional Graduate Credit Fee:  $400