As a result of the NeSA-M, Nebraska's first statewide mathematics assessment, mathematics teachers at all grade levels are looking for new learning opportunities that support them in offering high quality mathematics courses to their students. The Nebraska Math and Science Summer Institutes (NMSSI) offer graduate mathematics and pedagogy courses using a teacher-friendly delivery model that help teachers respond to this challenge.
In Summer 2012, MATH 804T: Experimentation, Conjecture and Reasoning (Class # 7694) will be offered in Columbus at ESU 7 from June 11-15, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. This course focuses on problem solving, reasoning and proof and communicating mathematics. The overall goal for this course is to bring participants to the next level in the development of their mathematical habits of mind: A person who is an effective mathematical thinker has a toolbox of skills and knowledge to experiment, conjecture, reason, and ultimately solve problems. Sound habits of mind are marked by great flexibility of thinking and the strong belief that precise exposition of solutions is important. Possible topics include the Pythagorean Theorem, golden rectangles, Platonic solids, Fibonacci numbers, the Art Gallery Theorem, Symmetry and Shifts, counting, probability and Bayes Theorem.
Doug Glasshoff, a teacher with East Butler Public Schools, will be the course instructor. Doug taught MATH 802T last summer. Here are what some teachers had to say about Doug’s instruction and the rewards from taking an NMSSI course:
"Doug did a great job teaching/explaining/guiding the class."
"Having the opportunity to discuss mathematics with colleagues was invaluable."
"I am truly grateful to once again have the opportunity to take part in professional development this past summer. It was a great reinforcement to see the great things that the teachers in the State of Nebraska are doing in their classrooms."
To learn more about other courses in your area, go to: http://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/csmce/1207.
Visit our website http://scimath.unl.edu/nmssi for our complete course catalog for this summer as well as steps on how to enroll and apply for tuition assistance. Email Lindsay Augustyn at laugustyn2@unl.edu with any questions.
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Center for Science, Mathematics and Computer Education
More details at: http://go.unl.edu/ran