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Summer 2007 MCTM NEWSLETTERFrom The President
From the PresidentJennifer Taylor-Cox Can you believe it is June already? The older I get the faster time goes by. How can that be possible? Time is steady, consistent, and measurable. Yet, time seems to go by more quickly and the years seem shorter as I continue to age. Let's think about this: to a person who has lived for ten years, one year is one tenth of his life. To a person who has lived for forty years, one year is one fortieth of her life. One fortieth is certainly smaller than one tenth. So is it true! The older we get, the shorter each year is! The funny thing about mathematics is that we can make statements (such as the ones above) and support these ideas with mathematical justification, yet the statements do not tell the whole story if we make assumptions that prove erroneous. This kind of thing happens in mathematics when we put on blinders and only focus on one aspect of a problem. It also happens when we single-mindedly determine answers as right or wrong. Let's look at a simple geometric question. How many sides does a circle have? Someone may answer that a circle has one side. Another person may respond, "two." A third might answer zero. Still another person may answer that a circle has an infinite number of sides. So, who is correct? Interestingly, all of the answers are correct --- depending upon how we define the word "side." If we define it as a straight line segment, the circle has zero sides. If we define side as a curved or straight line, the circle has one continuous curved side. If we define side in terms of boundary, the circle has two sides --- inside and outside (this is a common answer given by many riddles and brainteasers). If we define side as a point that can always be cut in half, the circle has an infinite number of infinitesimal sides. So even the simple question, How many sides does a circle have, does not have a simple answer. What can we do as math teachers? We can encourage our students to ponder mathematical questions and wonder at their answers. We want them to think, not just focus on one aspect or on memorizing the correct answers to questions. We want to hear (and read) our students' reasoning. We want our students to solve problems and communicate. We need to give them opportunities to muse in math. We need to implement the words of Plutarch: "The mind is not a vessel to be filled, it is a fire to be kindled." Start a fire in your students' minds!
MCTM Professional Development Mini-ConferencesThe MCTM will launch a new and exciting professional development series during the 2007-2008 school year. These regionally hosted and themed mini-conferences will feature sessions from leaders in mathematics education. They promise to be an invaluable resource for teachers in your area! Look for information in upcoming editions of the Newsletter and at www.marylandmath.org.
Month of the Young Child CelebrationEarly Childhood Representative Karren Schultz-Ferrell The MCTM hosted a mathematics activity table for young children and their families at the Westfield Shoppingtown Mall in Wheaton, Maryland, on April 28, 2007. The theme of this Month of the Young Child celebration was, "Partnerships for School Readiness." Children and families worked together to make number sculptures. For example, if a child rolled "5" on a die, she chose five of each object to create her sculpture. While children were engaged in creating sculptures, many family members got information about how they could help at home with mathematics concepts and skills. It was a fun math day for everyone!
Teaching ResourcesCheck out the following for good information about your mathematics teaching practice. If you have any suggestions for future segments, please email Mike Lueke at hmlueke@aacc.edu. The NCTM has published "Research Clips and Briefs" which are descriptions of some bridges being built between research and practice. The first set of Research Clips and Briefs covers topics dealing with effective instruction, students with difficulties, and formative assessment. Additional Research Clips and Briefs will be posted on an ongoing basis at http://www.nctm.org/researchbriefs.aspx. Good Summer Reads:
Calling for Nominations for MCTM OfficersThe following MCTM positions are open for nomination of officers for the 2007 election: NCTM Liaison Each nominee must be a MCTM member. The responsibilities of these officers can be found on the MCTM website www.marylandmath.org (refer to the bylaws). Each nominee will be asked to submit a short bio for the election ballot. If you are interested in running or want to nominate someone, please contact Camille Tomlin at camtom47@hotmail.com by June 15, 2007.
Call for Presentation Proposals at the MCTM Annual ConferenceHave we got a proposal for youÉor is it the other way around? Imagine for a moment that fabulous lesson you taught and consider how it could be shared with fellow mathematics educators throughout the state. The MCTM Annual Conference is fast approaching. Take advantage of this opportunity to share your experiences and submit a proposal to speak at the MCTM Annual Conference. This year's conference will be held on October 19, 2007 at Reservoir High School in Howard County. Showcase your methods for making mathematics come alive for students. Proposal forms are available at www.marylandmath.org and are due by June 15, 2007. ALSO: This year's MCTM Annual Conference will feature a strand of sessions for pre-service teachers. We currently have several sessions that undergraduates would enjoy. If you have any talented undergraduate or graduate students who might have something to offer their peers please encourage them to submit a proposal to speak. In addition, please save samples of your student's projects for a Poster Session that we will have at the Conference. Right now we have a submission from Towson University, but we'd like to have representation from a variety institutions of higher learning from across the state. If you have any questions about this feel free to contact: Dr. Honi Bamberger, hbamberger@towson.edu.
Teacher of the Year NominationsDo you or does someone you know have what it takes to be the next MCTM teacher of the year? Nominations and applications are now being accepted for this prestigious award in categories ranging from elementary school level to higher education. To qualify for this award a candidate must have at least three years of mathematics teaching experience and must be teaching mathematics during the application year. In addition, each candidate must complete an application and submit two letters of recommendation. Qualified candidates will be observed by a member of the awards committee in the Spring of 2008. Visit www.marylandmath.org for more information and application materials. Please send all inquiries and materials by February 1, 2008 to: Dolores Bonincontri, MCTM Awards Chair, Eastern Technical High School, 1100 Mace Ave, Baltimore, MD 21221 or email her at the following address: dbonincontri@bcps.org.
CalendarJune 15 August 3-5 October 11-13 October 19
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