Alaska

Excellence in Undergraduate Mathematics:
Lessons Across the Curriculum

University of Alaska, Anchorage, AK

September 11-14, 2003

Quick Links:

Workshop Program:

The workshop focuses on two issues that span the undergraduate program: (a) increasing the participation of under-represented groups in undergraduate mathematics, and (b) learning from assessment, including the assessment of programs aimed at promoting the participation of under-represented groups.

Success rates of under-represented groups in mathematics continue to be a challenge to the mathematics community. This is a multi-faceted problem, which includes sensitivity to the cultural distinctions of different groups. Nevertheless, essential components of a successful program for increasing the participation of under-represented groups can be identified. Knowledge of what works-- and sometimes what doesn't work-- is a powerful asset in developing a departmental environment that supports all students.

Assessment is often the stepchild in the process of implementing reforms, whether in the individual classroom or for a program. At its best, assessment should provide a deeper analysis of the processes involved, not only quantitative data. We should ask and find answers for questions about how and what students learn (and don't learn), as well as how much as measured by a grade. In this view, assessment is not so much a summary of outcomes as information for adjusting and fine tuning teaching, curricula, and programs.

The workshop program features:

• department case studies and programs relating to participation of under-represented groups in mathematics.
• research on programs for under-represented groups in mathematics and assessment of teaching and programs.
• opportunities for departments to consult with one another about common concerns and share experiences and resources.
• Time is provided throughout the workshop for informal discussions among the participants, including the invited speakers.

Plenary speakers:

Hilary Davies, Larry Foster, David Meyers, and Debbie Naran from University of Alaska Anchorage speaking about
Serving Alaska's Needs

Teri J. Murphy from University of Oklahoma:
"Community as a "best practice" in retaining students: A synthesis of research on the retention of students"

Kenneth Millett from University of California, Santa Barbarat:
"Recruiting a diverse population for the mathematics and science teaching profession: The South Coast Community Teaching Fellowship in Mathematics and science (CTFMS)"

Harvey Keynes from University of Minnesota:
"Addressing a variety of issues when assessing undergraduate mathematics courses and programs"

Eric Kostelich from Arizona state University:
"What if all the math professors disappeared and nobody cared? One department's efforts to stay relevant in a 21st century university"

Dennis Davenport from Miami University of Ohio:
"Research experiences for undergraduates aimed at underrepresented minorities and women: Summer undergraduate mathematical sciences Institution (SUMSRI)"

William Haver from Virginia Commonwealth University:
"The central role of assessment in building a department's programs"

Breakout Speakers:
Herbert Schroeder from University of Alaska, Anchorage:
"The Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program (ANSEP)"

Teri J. Murphy and Susan E. Walden from University of Oklahoma:
"Department Culture Affects Recruitment and Retention of Majors"

Harvey Keynes from University of Minnesota:
"Evaluation- for love or money”

Peter R. Turner from Clarkson University:
"Transition Support For First Year Students"

Kenneth C Millett from University of California, Santa Barbara:
"The University of California at Santa Barbara's CTFMS program"

Dennis Davenport from Miami University of Ohio:
"What Makes a Good Proposal?"

William Haver from Virginia Commonwealth University:
"Curriculum Renewal Across the First Two Years, the CUPM Curriculum Guide"

Eric Kostelich from Arizona State University:
"Curriculum innovation at the advanced undergraduate level: New programs and courses to attract good students and (we hope) make friends in high places"

John Khoury and Shai Neumann from Brevard Community College:
"Just like the marines: We are looking for a few good men or women"

Marty Strenstein and Osman Yurekli from Ithaca College:
"Equal access to math education for all: a case study of two Ithaca College programs"

Funding for the workshop is provided by the National Science Foundation.

The MER Forum
Last update: October 14, 2003
Please address questions and comments to mer@math.uic.edu