Thank you so much, Debbie. Your project engaged students to actively search for mathematicians whom they can relate to.
I would like to share how I involved underrepresented-minoritized students in learning mathematics.
I believe all students can succeed in mastering mathematics. During my teaching career, I am blessed to have many of my students won mathematics competitions locally, regionally, and nationally. These were typical students who had poor mathematics instructions before and were unsure about their abilities. Some were born in the United States; some were not. They consist of many different races.
I strive to treat each of them with dignity and respect. In the classroom, I ensure that all students are allowed to ask questions or to give comments. I strive to give each an equal opportunity to succeed.
A few years ago, I had the honor of teaching Lassis, who had recently come from Africa. It was a large class. I strived to interact with all of my students. One day after class, Lassis asked me if he should finish the semester because some people claimed that his English was not good enough. I told him that I was treated the same way and encouraged him to continue.
After the semester, when I learned of a math competition, I emailed my A-grade students, including Lassis, to invite them to compete. Lassis doubted his mathematical ability and worried about his English skills. I encouraged him again. He competed and won first place at the regional and state competition and represented Utah to compete nationally. With his permission, I shared our photo with you.
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Shane Tang
Associate Professor
Salt Lake CC, West Jordan Campus
West Jordan UT
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-07-2021 17:31
From: Debbie Hill
Subject: IMPACT in Action 3- Contribution of Global Mathematicians
We (usually) have a hands-on, activity-based class designed for CTE majors who just need a math class to graduate. I am always trying to figure out how to get them more engaged with the class and this is always a highlight.
I have also done it in Intermediate Algebra and College Algebra and would do it in a Calculus course - really any class. It does take about 30 minutes (depending on the size of the class) but it is so worth it for the energy it generates. I leave the posters up for the rest of the semester.
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Debbie Hill
Sierra College
Rocklin CA
Original Message:
Sent: 02-07-2021 17:10
From: Carrie Muir
Subject: IMPACT in Action 3- Contribution of Global Mathematicians
I like this idea. Are there particular class(es) you've used this as part of?
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Carrie Muir, Ph.D. (she/her)
Chair, Mathematics Department
Whatcom Community College
Original Message:
Sent: 02-06-2021 12:34
From: Debbie Hill
Subject: IMPACT in Action 3- Contribution of Global Mathematicians
TO BE DONE IN A CLASSROOM: One of my favorite projects is to have students make a poster of a mathematician they have something in common with. I have very detailed guidelines - they need to include at least 4 interesting facts (these will be judged by their peers) with citations of where they came from, has to be on poster board of a particular size, lettering for the mathematician's name has to be a certain size (there is a cool linear relationship of lettering size to distance from viewer they have to look up). Their name goes on the back. I number the posters with Post-Its and give the students a grading sheet. The rubric is on the grading sheet to help guide their scoring. We do a "museum walk" where they go around the room, check out each other's posters and grade them. I average the grading sheets to get the score for the assignment - they almost always come out just how I would have scored them. Students will work so much harder to impress each other than they will to impress me!
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Debbie Hill
Sierra College
Rocklin CA
Original Message:
Sent: 02-05-2021 11:49
From: Shane Tang
Subject: IMPACT in Action 3- Contribution of Global Mathematicians
1) How do you integrate stories of international mathematicians into the curriculum to create a spark in students' learning?
2) How do you involve underrepresented-minoritized students into your classroom learning? Do you have any success stories to share?
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Shane Tang
Associate Professor
Salt Lake CC, West Jordan Campus
West Jordan UT
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