Date: October 12, 2006
Contact: Lindsay Gladstone
Governors State University
Phone: (708) 534-7090
Fax: (708) 534-8399
Email: l-gladstone@govst.edu
For Immediate Release
University Park, October 12, 2006 - While math teachers do not need a classes on addition and subtraction, they and their students benefit when they learn new and effective methods to teach math concepts and problem solving. The variety of skills and techniques required varies with the grade level and mathematics subjects taught.
At the recent National Council of Teachers of Mathematic Regional Conference in Chicago, three instructors from Governors State University were among the presenters providing educators with exciting and challenging ways to improve mathematics education.
Professor of Mathematics and Computer Education, Dr. Linda Proudfit of Chesterton, Indiana, presented “The Geometry of Quilts” as a way to connect math to everyday life.
“While quilts are usually associated with early settlers and are often appreciated for their beauty, they can also be used as a tool for studying geometry. Teachers of grades three through eight participated in activities where they made paper quilts and discussed how these could be used when teaching geometry to their students.”
Dr. John Meyer of Homewood, Professor of Mathematics and Computer Education, presented a session on “Virtual Manipulatives vs. Concrete Manipulatives: Which one is better?” aimed at kindergarten through twelfth grade math teachers.
“It highlighted the websites which have virtual manipulatives available for teachers and students to use. These online activities can be used to understand a variety of math concepts. Students can sometimes learn better when they can visualize what they are learning. Using the computer can make the visualization easier and lead to greater understanding.”
Dr. Nancy Miller of Palos Park, an Assistant Professor of Mathematics Education, presented methods and materials for sixth through twelfth grade math teachers.
“I discussed the different ways students might use their textbooks and work collaboratively with each other. Using data from local public schools in the southwest suburbs, other resources were also identified, such as tutors, family members, peers, even class notes.”
For more information about the presentations, please call (708) 534-7090.
