Research and
Professional Activities in Mathematics Education
The
mathematics education faculty in the department characterizes its work
as "applied mathematics education," oriented toward the preparation
and professional development of mathematics teachers and the
development of effective school mathematics curriculum. The faculty
actively pursues grants to fund research focused on delivering effective
professional development and developing curriculum materials for K-12
mathematics teachers. Areas of emphasis include teacher preparation,
coaching and mentoring in-service teachers, on-line learning among
practicing teachers, technology-supported classroom instruction,
problem-based learning, and curriculum development for K-12
mathematics. Graduate students design research projects in alignment
with faculty interests and current projects. Students in the master's
degree option will engage in school-based action research, while the
doctoral program includes both qualitative and quantitative
experimental research.
Recent dissertation research topics include:
Pedagogical content knowledge in algebra among pre-service
elementary teachers
Frameworks for procedural understanding in algebra
Computer algebra systems in collegiate developmental
mathematics
Knowledge construction among mathematics teachers in on-line
courses
Linking task structure and cognitive demand among on-line
learners
Recent professional actitivies include:
Center for Learning and Teaching in the West (NSF-funded CLT):
on-line course development; instruction, and dissertation advising for
doctoral Fellows across five campuses
e-Mentoring for Student Success (NSF-funded MSP): mathematics
specialist for multi-state teacher mentoring program in
mathematics
Mathematics and Science Partnerships (DOE-funded MSP): design,
administer, and evaluate three projects to improve content knowledge
of K-12 mathematics teachers
Editorial work for NCTM Navigations high school book
series, yearbooks and journals; publication in journals for
mathematics education, professional development, and distance
learning
Active involvement in MCTM, AMTE and MAA including national MAA
Committee on the Mathematical Education of Teachers
| 
