Conference Session

Using Computers, Software, and Writing to Improve Mathematical Understanding

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jorge A. Samayoa, Galileo University and Purdue University; Carlos Humberto Zelada, Galileo University

Tagged Divisions

Mathematics

Beaumont 9 and Reinhold 8 . Page 25.1430.2Tonkin 11 suggests that the use of wikis in education should fall into one of these four categories: 1. Single-user. This allows individual students to write and edit their own thoughts. 2. Lab book. This enables students to peer review notes kept online by adding, for example, comments or annotations to existing lecture notes or seminar discussions. 3. Collaborative writing. This can be used by a team for joint research such as a group project, essay or presentation. 4. Creating a topical knowledge repository for a module cohort. Through collaborative entries, students create

Conference Session

Techniques in Improving Mathematics Education in STEM Curricula

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Erin Shaw, University of Southern California; Zachary Boehm, University of Southern California; Hussain Badruddin Penwala, University of Southern California; Jihie Kim, University of Southern California

Tagged Divisions

Mathematics

greater than three, on a scale of 1-5.However, as results of a standardized algebra readiness test showed (MDTP, 2012), none ofthese students met even one math topic threshold for algebra readiness in 9th grade. In summary,these students were aware of both the difficulty and importance of math, but were too disengagedto apply themselves to learn it. Moreover, the underperforming students were tracked together sothat peer influence was an obstacle in overcoming academically self-destructive behavior, suchas talking and texting in class. Traditional lecture style classes were failing because of frequentinterruptions and the distraction of mobile electronics. We hypothesized that these studentswould require engaging project-based work if they were