Mathematics Education Newsletter

August 2007 update

Mitch’s Corner New Feature in the Mathematics Education Newsletter

Mitch Bernstein taught high school math in Philadelphia for 31 years.  He has taught both traditional math and the reform Interactive Mathematics Program.  He is now retired.  He is a co-author of Algebra 1:  An Integrated Approach. Mitch compiled many resources over his years of teaching, and he’s ready to share them! This update of the summer newsletter is the first of many to come where we will feature a sample of Mitch’s resources, which include challenging problems, themed worksheets, tips for new and experienced teachers, advice on assessment, etc. … Look for Mitch’s Corner in this and following Newsletters!

Arcadia Professor Joins International Commission

Peter Appelbaum, Associate Professor of Education at Arcadia and Coordinator of our Mathematics Education Programs, was invited to join the International Commission on the Study and Improvement of Mathematics Education (CIEAEM - Commission Internationale pour l'Étude et l'Amélioration de l'Enseignement des Mathématiques) this past summer. Since its foundation in 1950, the Commission has investigated actual conditions and possibilities for the development of mathematics education, in order to improve the quality of teaching mathematics world-wide. The Commission hosts nnual conferences characterized by exchange and discussion of research work aamong researchers, policy-makers and practicing teachers; Commission meetings result in state-of-the-art recommendations with ideas for their realization in practice. CIEAEM Conferences are often accompanied by a „Quality Class“ for new teachers, a 10-day seminar with delegates from countries around the world. Arcadia students often attend the „Qulaity Class.“ If you have an interest in next year’s class, you are encouraged to contact Dr. Appelbaum by email at appelbaum@arcadia.edu.

More Details on Preparing for the Praxis Exam in Mathematics

We all know the exam is #0061, and that we need to pass it to become certified to teach mathematics 7-12. Some of us are searching for tools that will help us avoid re-taking this test! I am interested in collecting your suggestions – beyond the standbys of tutoring geometry and pre-calculus, reading friend’s textbooks, etc. Recently a few students have recommended the Preparation for The Praxis High School & Middle School Math Exam website, found at http://www.praxismathexam.com/, which has materials for both the 7-12 and middle school tests. This site does cost money, though! Other students have recommended the Praxis Math Content Knowledge (0061): The Best Teachers Test Prep for the Praxis (REA Test Preps) by Mel Friedman (The word is, the sample problems in this book tend to be easier than the actual praxis exam questions; but it’s a good review of the mathematics that is tested.) Also well-recommended by previous successful test-passers is CliffsTestPrep Praxis II: Mathematics Content Knowledge Test (0061) (Cliffstestprep Praxis II), by E. Donice McCune and Sandra Luna McCune The Mathematics Education Newsletter does not officially endorse any for-profit venture, but we are interested in your experience with the website, these books, and any other resources that you have found helpful in preparing for the exam. Please send any info you have to Peter at Appelbaum@arcadia.edu.

Regional Conferences not to be Missed!

As leaders in the mathematics education community, none of us should miss the regional conferences that are coming up this fall. We’re lucky that both PCTM (Pennsylvania Council of Teachers of Mathematics) and AMTNJ (Association of Mathematics Teachers of New Jersey) are both in the Philadelphia region this year. The PCTM conference is November 7-9 at the Radisson Hotel in Valey Forge (http://www.pctm.org/conference.html), and the AMTNJ conference is October 25-26 at the Somerset Marriott Hotel, in Somerset, New Jersey (http://www.amtnj.org/). Noted mathematics educator Glenda Lappan is the featured speaker at AMTNJ in October – well worth the short trip to Somerset!

Erica Davila Temporary Advisor for Mathematics Education

You may or may not know that Peter Appelbaum is on sabbatical for the academic year 2007-2008. He will be a Guest Professor at the Freie Universität in Berlin, Germany, working with the “Learners’ Perspectives” research team on international comparisons of mathematics classrooms. While Peter is away, he is, as always, available through email. However, if you need any advice, help with applying for student teaching, course selection, etc., Erica Davila has generously agreed to take on Peter’s local advising duties for the year. She is not only a friendly and helpful face, but also a wealth of information on mathematics education, especially having to do with social justice and diversity issues. Professor Davila’s office is right next door to Peter’s, in Taylor 310C; her email address is Davila@arcadia.edu; her office phone is 215-572-2114.

“Mathematics Education Websites” Website Updated by Bernie Bacino

The Arcadia Mathematics Education Website continues to provide useful information to members of the Arcadia Mathematics Education Community. Bernie Bacino recently updated the mathematics education website collection as part of her graduate assistantship, and she did a mighty fine job! Surf on over and check it out! Please send link suggestions to Peter at appelbaum@arcadia.edu.

Fall Courses in Mathematics Education

CS407.1 Prob Sol/Algo/Prog I(3) 5:45 pm-7:00 pm MW Staff

*CS408.1 Computer Sciences II(3) 5:45 pm-7:00 pm MW Engel

*CS409.1 DataStruc/Algo Anal(3) 5:45 pm-7:00 pm MW Jia

*CS428A.1 Mod Prog Lang:Python(3) 5:45 pm-7:00 pm MW Arras

*CS454.1 Database Mgt Sys Des(3) 7:10 pm-9:50 pm R Motter

*CS462.1 Computr Org&Architec(3) 7:10 pm-9:50 pm M Garvin

*MA430.1 Graph Thry & Combina(3) 11:00 am-12:05 pm MWF Friedler

*MA441.1 Probability(3) 4:00 pm-5:40 pm MW Wolff

*MA443.1 Math Statistics II(3) 1:30 pm- 3:10 pm MW Wolff

ED526A.1 Lrng&Assess Ele Math(3) 7:20 pm-10:00 pm T Acconciames

ED526A.2 Lrng&Assess Ele Math(3) 4:30 pm-7:10 pm M Staff

ED526B.1 Lrng&Assess Sec Math(3) 4:30 pm-7:10 pm T Robinson

ED527F.1 Tchg Probabil/Statis(3) 4:30 pm-7:10 pm T Dugan

Don’t forget the many other courses in education not specifically in mathematics that may be of interest! Check out the course offerings at the Arcadia website: http://www.arcadia.edu, or at “my arcadia”: http://www.my/arcadia.edu

These courses are open to students pursuing a degree or certification, and also to folks interested in just taking a course or two. Spread the word! Tell friends and family about the opportunities here at Arcadia.

Book Reviews

Following up on the well-received review of Rethinking Mathematics: Teaching Social Justice by the Numbers, by Patricia Marnien Tresnan, Mathematics Teacher, Jenkintown Schools, Arcadia MAEd 2003, we welcome reviews of materials and resources that you have found more or less valuable in your work. Please contact Peter if you would like to have your ideas included in future issues of this newsletter.

Possible books to consider reviewing:

D’Ambriosio, Ubiratan. 2001. Ethnomathematics: Link between traditiona and modernity. Rotterdam: Sense Publishers.

Gellert, Uwe, and Jablonks, Eva (eds). 2007. Mathematisation and demathematisation: Social, philosophical, and educational ramifications. Rotterdam: Sense Publishers.

Gutstein, Eric. 2006. Reading and writing the world with mathematics: Toward a pedagogy for social justice. NY: Routledge.

Skovsmose, Ole. 2005. Travelling through education; Uncertainty, mathematics, responsibility. Rotterdam: Sense Publishers.

Walshaw, Margaret (ed). 2004. Mathematics education within the postmodern. Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishing.

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Mitch’s Corner

Mitch Bernstein taught high school math in Philadelphia for 31 years.  He has taught both traditional math and the reform Interactive Mathematics Program.  He is now retired.  He is a co-author of Algebra 1:  An Integrated Approach.

Here is one of Mitch’s famous Problems of the Week:

Brian’s Bicycle Shop had 48 water bottles for sale.

On Monday Brian marked the water bottles down to $5 each and sold half of them.

Tuesday he marked the remaining bottles down to $4 each and sold half of what was left.

On Wednesday he marked the bottles down to $3 and sold one third of them.

Thursday he marked the water bottles he had left down to $2 and sold them all.

If Brian purchased the bottles for $3 each, how much did he gain or lose?

Explain your answer.

Mitch’s collected resources are being bound for availability in the Landman Library Curriculum Materials collection. You may also pick up a free CD of the same resources in the Education Department Office in Taylor 308.

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Your AdvisorJ

Peter Appelbaum does not have any official office hours between semesters. But call or email because he will likely be in and out of the office most days. 215-572-4476 or appelbaum@arcadia.edu.

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