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The opinions expressed on this blog are the views of the writer(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the American Mathematical Society.
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Recent Posts
Category Archives: Classroom Practices
MATHEMATICS: GATEKEEPER OR GATEWAY?
Some recent writers on mathematics education have been talking about mathematics as a field enjoying ’unearned privilege’ as a ‘gatekeeper’ in our society. The more I think about it, the less sense this makes. For some writers, the reference may … Continue reading
Learning to Be Less Helpful
FREDERICK PECK University of Montana, Missoula Dan Meyer is as close as we can get to a rock star in the world of mathematics education. These days, Dan is known for many things: 3-act tasks, 101 Q’s, Desmos, NCTM’s … Continue reading
What is \(0^0\), and who decides, and why does it matter? Definitions in mathematics.
By Art Duval, Contributing Editor, University of Texas at El Paso How is \(0^0\) defined? On one hand, we say \(x^0 = 1\) for all positive \(x\); on the other hand, we say \(0^y = 0\) for all positive \(y\). … Continue reading
#thestruggleisREAL: Reflection in a Real Analysis Class
By Katharine Ott, Department of Mathematics, Bates College Real Analysis is a rite of passage for undergraduate math majors. It is one of my favorite courses to teach, but I recognize that the course is challenging for students, and, for … Continue reading
Posted in Assessment Practices, Classroom Practices, Communication
Tagged growth mindset, real analysis, reflection, writing
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Comparing Educational Philosophies
I have recently heard several mathematicians claim that the educational philosophies of Math Circles and the Inquiry Learning Community are essentially the same. I disagree. I will contrast the differences between these two approaches, along with two other common educational … Continue reading
Posted in Classroom Practices
Tagged Conceptual Understanding, inquiry, math circle, teaching philosophies, Traditional Math
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Thinking Outside the Textbook
By Steven Klee, Contributing Editor, Seattle University When two grandmasters face off in a chess tournament, they are faced with a complicated bit of game theory. If you were in one of their positions, you would prepare for the match … Continue reading
Posted in Classroom Practices
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On Being Imperfect
By Gizem Karaali, Pomona College I have a secret: For the last year or so, my nine-year-old daughter and I have been trying to develop a meditation practice. This guy, Andy, who leads us daily through meditation sessions facilitated by … Continue reading
Eating Our Own Cooking: What I’ve Actually Used or Shared
By Art Duval, Contributing Editor, University of Texas at El Paso A popular saying in business (or so I’ve read) is to “eat your own cooking”: Use the products your own company makes. I suppose there are several motivations to … Continue reading
What Do Hobbits Know About Mathematics?
Sam: If I take one more step, I’ll be the farthest away from home I’ve ever been. Frodo: Come on, Sam. Remember what Bilbo used to say: ‘It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the … Continue reading
Posted in Classroom Practices, Student Experiences
Tagged adventure, exploration, student experience
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Kindness in the Mathematics Classroom
by Art Duval, Contributing Editor, University of Texas at El Paso Several years ago, I was teaching a calculus course which included three students who were especially struggling with the material, in spite of regularly attending class. I have a … Continue reading
