For the past several years VCTM has held an annual Saturday MATH FAIR for students. Any elementary, middle school, or high school student is welcome to present as an individual or in a group. They can choose what area of mathematics they would like to feature. This is a half day activity, and we have been fortunate to be able to hold it at UVM. We even held a virtual MATH FAIR one of the Covid years! We have been very pleased with what students bring to this effort. If you attend this conference session, we can share with you our “hints” to sponsor a successful MATH FAIR. We may even be able to show you some of the super presentations that students have done in the past. We think that it is amazing what students can do when given the chance!
Using video and student work samples on three topics (multiplication, data analysis, and algebra), participants will be actively engaged in analysis of the math ideas being generated by students in multi-diverse settings. Evidence is presented that learning is progressive and developmental in nature best depicted as a complex network of pathways comprised of strategies, big ideas, and models. Transmission in most cases does not develop this required thinking. Professional learning and student achievement results from two districts are provided as further evidence.
Did you ever wonder where the formulas for the sum of the first n counting integers, the sum of the first n odd counting integers, the sum of the first n squares and the sum of the first n cubes originated from? You are in luck; for this presentation will link algebra, geometry, discrete mathematics, calculus, history, and technology in one tidy package and view the connections among the disciplines with these rich summation formulas. The work presented here is amenable to a wide variety of grade bands ranging from middle school through university mathematics. Join us as we pursue this delightful journey.
Research suggests that high-dosage tutoring can have a positive impact on traditionally marginalized students. However, tutors often have less training than teachers, and many teachers find the relationship difficult to navigate. It can also be challenging to select the right structure and curriculum for your setting. This session will explore one middle school’s implementation of high-dosage tutoring including logistical considerations, training, curriculum design and implementation, and navigating the teacher/tutor relationship.
Have your students ever struggled to recall information that you taught in your first unit? Come and learn how to provide equitable access to grade level content by engaging students’ prior knowledge through interleaving/spiraling your curriculum. In this interactive session, participants will identify learning targets from standards and construct a sample spiral. Teachers will work in grade level groups to start interleaving their own standards. While we will use middle school examples, all teachers are welcome!
