Collaboration and Dynamic Mathematics in Middle and High Schools

Online professional development courses for middle and secondary mathematics teachers focusing on supporting student collaboration and problem solving using dynamic-mathematics software.

Course 1: In-service Professional Development in Collaboration and Dynamic Mathematics in Middle and High Schools.

10 weeks. September 24 - December 8, 2012. 3 credit-hours (optional). Stipends available.

Course 2: Field Work in Collaboration and Dynamic Mathematics in Middle and High Schools.

10 weeks. January 7 - March 18, 2013. 3 credit-hours (optional). Stipends available.

Course Description: Investigate how the teaching and learning of mathematics in middle and high schools can be enhanced with appropriate use of collaborative problem solving and dynamic mathematics software.

Collaborate in small groups within an online environment, developed as part of the National Science Foundation funded project, Virtual Math Teams with GeoGebra (VMTwG), to explore tasks from the middle and high school curriculum and to solve open-ended mathematics problems.

Review logs of your online interactions to identify key moves that contribute to significant mathematical discourse and to reflect on noteworthy issues in mathematics learning and teaching:

  • task selection and design
  • discourse and collaboration with and without teacher guidance
  • justification and proof
  • effective use of technology
  • and more.

Course activities will include small-group, mathematical collaboration, readings, online discussions, and designing mathematical tasks.

Note: Course involves both synchronous and asynchronous activity on a weekly basis.

Synchronous work is a required part of the course; you will select preferred days and times and be placed in groups with classmates with similar preferences.

Stipends: Stipends are available for participation in the two-course sequence, through a grant from the National Science Foundation.

Stipends of up to $1500 are available for coordinating online collaborative dynamic-math activities using VMTwG with your students.

For further information:

Rutgers-Newark: Loretta Grisi-Dicker (Loretta.Grisi.Dicker@rutgers.edu)

Drexel: Jason Silverman (Silverman@drexel.edu)

Rutgers NSF

A mathematics education collaborative of Rutgers-Newark and Drexel University, with funding from the National Science Foundation.