[MATHEDCC] Re: new Approaches to Algebra

Helen Burn (hburn@CTC.CTC.EDU)
Thu, 9 Apr 1998 14:53:20 -0700 (PDT)

I'm teaching a coordinated studies course this quarter which combines
college algebra with
writing. The title is: Relations and Functions: What's a Nice Variable
Like You Doing in a Place Like This? We have a group of 20 students,
many of which don't like math. To engage them, I've have them find their
own data on the Web: linear, exponential; had them write about the
data: implications, trends, using appropriate terminology; look at
pictures using EXCEL and the graphics calculator. So far so good. Even
the symbol manipulation portion of the course is going well, I think.
I'm a bit worried, however, about when we get to higher order polynomials
and rational functions. We're working under the model of experiential
learning and social constructivism.

So . . . this quarter I'm grappling with all sorts of interesting issues
and challenges which are brought to my attention through teaching with an
instructor from another discipline who refuses to accept that there is
only one "model" for doing mathematics.

I thought I'd throw out my situation to the listserve and see what kinds
of interesting ideas/opinions you folks have. Is there a mathematics
equivalent to "ebonics?" I'm aware of the field of ethnomathematics. In
fact, we're having a speaker from University of Washington on our campus
to speak about same at the end of the month. This is a kinda scary issue
for me to face, but I'm being asked to face it full on at the moment.

Comments?

Helen Burn
Highline Community College
Seattle, WA 98198-9800
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