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Good Ideas in Teaching Precalculus And...

... Algebra, Calculus, Discrete Mathematics, Probability & Statistics, with Technology

Rutgers University - Busch Campus - New Brunswick
Friday, March 18, 2005
8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

SHARING SESSIONS

A) Preparing Grades 9-10 Students for Precalculus

Are we providing our 9th and 10th grade students with what they need to succeed when they subsequently take our precalculus courses? What are the key ideas that may need more emphasis in the earlier grades? Moderator: Joe Lucchetta, Columbia HS (Maplewood)

B) What to Keep and What to Leave Out at Grades 11-12
(Will likely split into 2 sessions; A-L and M-Z)

Incorporating technology and new topics in precalculus classes have forced us to think about which traditional precalculus topics should be deleted or given less emphasis. This session will provide us an opportunity to share our thoughts and our solutions. Moderators: Kevin Merges, Rutgers Preparatory School; Jennifer Buklad, Columbia HS (Maplewood)

C) Getting Your Feet Wet - For New Teachers

New teachers are often assigned upper-level high school courses like precalculus and calculus. If you’re a new teacher, what questions do you have about these courses? If you’re an experienced teacher, what advice would you give new teachers about teaching these courses? Moderator: Doug Smith, A.P. Schalick HS

D) Alternative Assessment in Calculus & Precalculus Classes
(Will likely split into 2 sessions; A-L and M-Z)

This sharing session will provide participants with an opportunity to learn from each other about their experiences in using alternate forms of assessment in their own classes. Moderators: Carol Richards, Rowan University; Debra Gulick, East Brunswick Public Schools

E) Alternative Assessment in Geometry & Algebra Classes

This sharing session will provide participants with project ideas to use as alternate forms of assessment in their classes. If anyone has a "special project" to share, bring it to the session. Moderator: Nancy Fedor, Cardinal McCarrick HS, South Amboy

F) Preparing Students for the HSPA

Think, think, think! Bring ideas, action plans, best practices or theories on how to prepare students for the HSPA and continue to bring quality mathematics to ALL students. During this session, all participants will have the opportunity to listen to solutions from other districts as well as to contribute ways in which their district has decided to embrace this great opportunity for growth. Let’s exchange e-mails and snail mails. Maybe this could even be the beginning of an HSPA electronic consortium! Moderator: Roy Eismann, Columbia HS, Maplewood

G) What Do Your Precalculus Exams Look Like?

Mid-terms and final exams can serve different purposes and take a variety of formats. What does your exam communicate about what you value in your Precalculus course? What kinds of question formats do you use? Bring samples from your own midterm or final exam and compare with others. Moderator: Neil Cooperman, Millburn HS

H) Assessment With and Without Calculators

This sharing session will provide an opportunity for teachers who are already using calculators in their precalculus classes to share the calculator activities with which they are particularly pleased. We will include examples illustrating judicious use of the calculator as well as the potential pitfalls. (Bring 30 handouts of any activities with you.) Moderator: Jay Schiffman, Rowan University

I) Strategies for Undoing Common Student Mistakes

What are the most common errors made by students? Have you discovered a strategy to help overcome the errors? If so, bring it to share. A handout on some student errors will be provided; collectively we may discover a strategy to help them avoid these errors. Moderator: Eric Berkowitz, Parsippany HS


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