NYSMATYC Conference Program
Kingston Holiday Inn, April 23 - 25, 2004
FRIDAY
12:00 - 1:00 - Lunch
1:00 - 2:00 - Sessions
Mathematics Teacher Education: The role of the community college
Presenters: Monica Fabricant and Sandra Peskin - Queensborough Community College
Presider: Lori Barrett - Corning Community College
Queensborough Community College received funding from the National Science Foundation for a grant entitled "Teacher Improvement in Mathematics Education" (TIMEQCC) that provides students with the first two years of a mathematics teacher education program for future middle and high school mathematics teachers. There are currently two cohorts of students. We willdiscuss and share information about TIMEQCC with others interested in developing a similar program.
Bridging the gap between skills and applications in College Algebra
Presenter: Reva Narasimhan - Kean Univeristy
Presider: Helen Hanak - Corning Community College
What do Ebay, the Subaru Outback, Verizon and Yosemite National Park all have in common? They all form contexts in which many types of functions and related skills can be introduced. Making the connection between mathematics and the real world is one of the more challenging aspects of teaching. This presentation will illustrate how interesting mathematical applications can be used to motivate important concepts and skills. Handouts of all the applications presented will be provided.
NYSMATYC 2003-2004 Survey Results on Comprehensive Assessment Presenter: 30 minutes
Presenter: Kimberley Martello - Monroe Community College
Presider: Mary Beth Orrange - Erie Community College
The results of the NYSMATYC 2003-2004 survey on Comprehensive Assessment will be presented. The survey studied, "How do two-year college mathematics departments implement a comprehensive assessment of student learning outcomes for various types of mathematics courses?" The survey responses include the type/format of the assessment instrument, who creates or grades the assessment, how scores are used, the minimum weight of the assessment in a student's course grade, and the frequency of modifications.
Report from the NYSMATYC Task Force on Faculty Issues Presenter: 30 minutes
Presenter: Mary Beth Orrange - Erie Community College
Presider: Kim Martello - Monroe Community College
This session will present the findings of the Task Force on Faculty Issues. The Task Force was created at the 2003 NYSMATYC conference to identify the major issues facing math faculty in two-year colleges across the state. An open discussion will follow the presentation of the data.
2:15 - 3:15 - Sessions
Workbook emulation: The Scandalous State of Mathematics Software
Presenter: John C. Miller - The City College of CUNY, Professor Emeritus
Presider: Larry Page - Onondaga Community College
The axiom is that failure to support math students who attempt to solve non-trivial problems in non-standard ways is scandalous. Yes most software still uses short answer problems with canned solutions, thereby merely emulating a workbook. Examples will be presented and analyzed. Intelligent software is less difficult to produce than is generally supposed. Indiscriminate adoption of mediocre materials is the root of the problem, and demanding higher standards from publishers is the likely solution.
Liberal Arts Mathematics: A Real World Perspective
Presenter: Mark Roland - Dutchess Community College
Presider: Joan Page - Onondaga Community College
The presenter will share how he has created a project driven course which helps students become more comfortable with the mathematics they will most likely encounter in life. He will give a preview of how he integrates technology as a natural learning tool. Attendees will receive sample projects that have successfully been used as part of the course. The presenter will also discuss his experiences offering this project driven course in the on line environment.
Go for the Gold: "Prime" Problems for Pupil Participation
Presenter: Jane Tanner - Onondaga Community College
Presider: Patricia Lanz - Erie Community College
3:15 - 3:45 - Break
3:45 - 4:45 - Sessions
Introduction to Fractals with Applications to Financial Market Pricing
Presenter: Glenn Miller - Borough of Manhattan Community College
Presider: Ken Mead - Genesee Community College
The presenter will present definitions and examples of fractals and fractal dimension. The emphasis will be on how these concepts relate to topics in a typical undergraduate curriculum (statistics and finite mathematics for example)and can therefore be integrated into our courses as examples. The presenter will demonstrate the creation of fractals by iteratively computing the value of relative simple functions. The presenter will demonstrate a few canonical examples using Microsoft Excel. The final example will be a fractal analysis of financial market prices.
Assessment: Its impact on students and faculty
Presenters: Nadia Benakli, Janet Liou-Mark, Zhao Chen and Arnavaz Taraporevala - New York City College of Technology
Presider: Kim Martello - Monroe Community College
How do we measure student learning? Can we rely only on pen and pencil exams to truly evaluate students’ knowledge? Are we as faculty making an effective impact on our students? Good assessment techniques are integral to instruction and support instructional practice. Techniques of assessment, management of assessment, and issues pertinent to classroom assessment will be discussed. Active audience participation required.
Understanding Algebra
Presenter: Patti Frazer Lock, Lawrence University
Presider: Reva Narasimhan - Kean Univeristy
We discuss an approach to teaching college algebra that focuses on the ideas of algebra. This approach emphasizes the reading, writing, and interpretation of algebraic expressions and equations. Students are encouraged to read and understand expressions and equations, and to readily recognize different types of expressions and equations. We discuss the philosophy underlying the project, and the progress made so far in our efforts to develop a college algebra course that really works for the students.
5:00 - 6:00 - Board Meeting
6:00 - 7:00 - Cocktail Hour (Cash bar)
7:00 - ? - Dinner
Student scholarships and awards given out.
Open Forum - after dinner (same room)
Responding to External Mandates: What is NYSMATYC's Role?
Presider: Mary Beth Orrange, NYSMATYC President
Introduction of Topic:
SUNY Mandates: GEAR and Value Added Assessment (5 minutes overview)
CUNY Mandates: Rising Junior Test (5 minutes overview)
Middle States Mandates: Fundamental Elements (5 minutes overview)
Open Forum: Questions or Statements regarding the above mandates
Time Frame: A maximum of one hour of discussion.
Resolution: If further discussion, a position statement, or a resolution seems appropriate, participants are encouraged to continue discussion throughout the weekend and return to their campuses for additional input. The usual method for resolutions or position papers is to publicize them in the fall and spring newsletters and bring the issue to the membership at the business meeting at the conference. Other electronic processes for more timely dissemination of information and vote on the resolution or position paper will be explored.
SATURDAY
6:30 - Estimation Run
7:15 - 8:15 - Breakfast
8:30 - 9:30 - Sessions
Algebra Plus: Using Learning Communities to Enhance Student Understanding
Presenters: Timmothy Grosse and Pam Smith - Jefferson Community College
Presider: Jeri Fairman - Jefferson Community College
The presenters will discuss how learning communities have been adopted by Jefferson Community College. The presentation will focus on the successes and challenges of two specific learning communities designed by the presenters for the intermediate and elementary algebra levels. The presentation is designed for everyone interested in discovering what a learning community is and how one is created.
Using the TI-Navigator in your classroom
Presenter: Sharon Cichocki - SUNY Buffalo
Presider: Tammy Kupilak - Dutchess Community College
Come and see TI's newest technology. The TI Navigator is a wireless system that allows for immediate feedback for teachers of student performance on tests, quizzes, homework, etc. Another component of the Navigator is the dispersion of data that can be sent to the class and analyzed immediately. This will be a hands on presentation where you can participate in the power of the Navigator system and see how data, lists, Apps and assessments can be analyzed.
Reviving Algebra: Curve Fitting Authentic Situations
Presenter: Jay Lehmann - College of San Mateo
Presider: Ken Mead - Genesee Community College
Do your intermediate algebra students think they've seen it all before and that it's a waste of time? Curve fitting authentic situations is a fresh, relevant, interesting approach that unifies diverse topics and emphasizes functions, which leads to a 75% success rate in the next course. Newspaper guidelines of a good story can help develop compelling applications such as newspaper rivalries, Michael Jordan's shoes, and 911's impact on our airlines. Come hear the Number Guy song.
9:45 - 10:45 - Sessions
TI Interactive: From Algebra to Calculus
Presenter: Christopher Monahan - Niskayuna High School
Presider: Patrick DeFazio - Onondaga Community College
TI Interactive is a new piece of software that combines the utility of a word processor and spreadsheet with the power of a graphing calculator. Come see some of what this powerful program can do. The presenter will bring a few lap tops with him that people may share during the session. Whether you are in Interactive or Observer mode, all are welcome. If you are planning to bring a laptop to the conference, a trial version of TI Interactive can be downloaded from http://education.ti.com/us/product/software/tii/features/features.html.
Panel Discussion - Teaching Mathematics in an On-Line Environment
Presenters: Jeri Fairman - Jefferson Community College, George Hurlburt - Corning Community College, Trish Lanz - Erie Community College, Ken Mead - Genesee Community College
Presider: Sean Simpson - Westchester Community College
This panel discussion of learning mathematics online is brought back by popular demand. This year's panelists will share their experiences using WebCT, Blackboard, and SUNY Learning Network. Successes, failures, and challenges will be discussed. Participants will be encouraged to share their experiences as well; everyone who attends will learn something!
Impact of Oil Consumption Rate Growth on World Petroleum Resources - Nice Calculus II Application!
Presenter: Lou Rotando - Westchester Community College
Presider: Timothy Grosse - Jefferson Community College
It's no secret that the world's oil supply is finite. Discussion of implications of constant consumption rates and (separately) of increasing consumption rates. Solution of very basic differential equations (Calc II level) will be utilized. Inexorable and destructive exponential growth can occur even when growth rates are relatively small. Conclusion will point to the (longer-term) futility of searching for new oil and the strong necessity for energy resource conservation.
10:45 - 11:00 - Break (Sponsored by HMCO)
11:00 - 12:00 - Business Meeting
12:15 - 1:15 - Lunch
Are you attending your first NYSMATYC Conference?
Join current members for lunch at the "Newcomers Table" and learn how you can get involved.
Spiritual Leader: Jim Baker - Jefferson Community College
1:30 - 2:30 - Sessions
A Computer Laboratory Component for Calculus I
Presenters: Barbara Cavalieri and Tammy Kopilak - Dutchess Community College
Presider: John Miller - The City College of CUNY
This workshop will focus on using Mathcad as a tool to help students understand and solidify concepts from Calculus I. Participants will be introduced to the basics of Mathcad, and will work through a lab created by the presenters. Additional labs will also be distributed (all labs can be adapted to other software packages). Participants should contact Barbara Cavalieri at bcavalie@sunydutchess.edu at least two weeks before the conference to obtain a trial version of Mathcad (extra trial version disks will be available at the workshop). Participants should also bring their own laptop for use at the workshop. The presenter will bring a few lap tops that people may share during the session. Whether you are in Interactive or Observer mode, all are welcome.
Panel Discussion: What is College Level Mathematics
Presenters: George Hurlburt - Corning Community College, Mel Bienenfeld - Westchester Community College, Michael Steuer - Nassau Community College
Presider: Ellena Reda - Dutchess Community College
Please come and discuss your opinions about what constitutes College Level Mathematics.
Commercial Presentation - My Math Lab
Presenter: Addison-Wesley-Longman
Presider: Jane Tanner - Onondaga Community College
2:30 - 2:45 - Break
3:00 - 4:00 - Sessions
Pump up the Volume with Project Assignments
Presenter: Jay Lehmann - College of San Mateo
Presider: Sharon Cichocki - SUNY Buffalo
Curve fitting can rejuvenate algebra, but it is only by assigning projects that students see the big picture and how math can impact their own lives. The talk will describe how to get started as well as how more experienced instructors can improve the quality of students' work through use of samples, timetables, intermediate grading, and a grading rubric. Linear, quadratic, and exponential modeling labs will also be described. Come hear and share ideas!
Participation Grade - Spreading out the components of a Portfolio of Learning
Presenter: Johanna Halsey - Dutchess Community College
Presider: Pam Smith - Jefferson Community College
The presenter will share how and why she changed over from a "Portfolio Grade" at the end of the semester, and instead spread out the components so that students accumulate "Participation Points" throughout the semester. Participants will see how this system is presented to the students, learn what options are available to students, and see what students have to do to demonstrate the various components.
Commercial Presentation
Presenter: Houghton Mifflin Company
Presider: George Hurlburt - Corning Community College
4:15 - 5:15 - Sessions
Mathematics Teacher/Tutoring Training for Students at a Technical College
Presenters: Johanna Ellner, Sandie Han, and Jahilin Parada, New York City College of Technology
Presider: Amanda Malone - Monroe Community College
Recruiting quality college students into the math and science teaching profession has been a challenge. Our teaching/tutoring program at New York City College of Technology (City Tech) offers an opportunity for college students to explore career in teaching mathematics at local high schools. Students are recruited from the high-level mathematics courses required for computer science, engineering, and telecommunication majors. Participants receive training stressing pedagogy, curriculum issues, as well as career guidance.
Explorations in Applied Mathematics
Presenter: Ellena Reda - Dutchess Community College
Presider: Abe Mantell - Nassau Community College
Explorations in Applied Mathematics is a course designed to enrich and deepen a student's mathematical experience. Learn of the strategies used to help students develop the skills needed to attack authentic, open-ended mathematics problems which focus on a topic with which the student may not be familiar. Hear how students used the web to research problems of their choosing. Walk away with the motivation and interest to create a course that gives students an authentic mathematics experience.
PROBLEMATYC
Presenter: Dr. Ralph Selig - Fairleigh Dickinson University
Presider: Jayashree Aiyah - Corning Community College
Bring paper and pencil as we solve those PROBLEMATYC problems!
5:30 - 6:30 Board Meeting
6:00 - 7:00 Cocktail Hour (Sponsored by AWL)
7:00 - ? Dinner
Speaker: Ed Laughbaum - "Building Life Bridges"
SUNDAY
8:00 - 9:00 Breakfast
9:15 - 10:15 - Sessions
Teaching Statistics Online
Presenter: Donald R. Coscia - Suffolk County Community College
Presider: Ray LaBounty - Corning Community College
The presentation will address the methods used to teach a highly successful asynchronous introduction to statistics course. Student assessment, a virtual classroom atomsphere and other tools will be reviewed. Additionally, student reactions to the approach will be shared as well as a lively discussion of online learning in an undergraduate mathematics course
DP Graph: A graphical learning tool
Presenter: Abraham S. Mantell - Nassau Community College
Presider: Paul Seeburger - Monroe Community College
An introduction to the power and utility of DPGraph as an educational learning tool for the visualization of graphs from 2D to 8D. DPGraph is a (very) inexpensive, and yet (very) powerful, software package for mathematics and physics visualizations -- useful in courses from geometry and precalculus through multidimensional mathematics and physics.
Boggling the Mind: Problem Solving, Logic and the TI-83
Presenter: Jeannine Epps - Westchester Community College
Presider: George Hurlburt - Corning Community College
This will be a presentation which introduces students to using the TI83 in answering questions with regard to sequencing. Furthermore, students will be exposed to the logical parameters utilized in the TI83.
10:30 - 11:30 - Sessions
Methods for Teaching Proportional Variation to College Remedial Students Presenter: CP
Presenter: George McCormack - LaGuardia Community College
Presider: Donald Coscia - Suffolk Community College
The presentation will investigate how standard mathematical notation may obscure conceptual development. All notation in the dissertation was created using Latex. Three groups are compared on performance in proportional reasoning. Each group has successively increased levels of involvement with the concept through a variety of notational presentations. In the study, the group that out performs the other groups is the one that is exposed to the greatest variety of presentations of the concept of a proportion.
A Visual Tour of Several Algorithms for Creating Implicit Plots and Contour Plot Presenter: CP
Presenter: Paul Seeburger - Monroe Community College
Presider: Patricia Lanz -Erie Community College
Implicit Plot/Contouring algorithms are by nature nontrivial and interesting. Most of us have simply relied on software packages like Mathematica, Maple, or MathCad to create these graphs, if we have created them at all. In this presentation, the presenter will discuss the basic theory behind several of these algorithms and visually illustrate their relative effectiveness and speed by using them on a computer to graph a variety of implicitly defined functions and contour plots of 3D surfaces. A handout will be provided.
Department Chair Session
Presenter: Beverly Broomell - Suffolk County Community College
Here is a chance for department chairs and other administrators Presenter: past, present, or future to discuss issues related to being an administrator dealing with issues of math departments.
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