Re: [MATHEDCC] Teaching in Context

Laura Bracken (bracken@LCSC.EDU)
Tue, 23 Nov 1999 08:48:13 -0800

I share Ed's frustration with the lack of materials to support changes we
want to make in our classrooms. Textbooks are very slow to change. In
talking to publishers at AMATYC, it is clear that they are necessarily
driven by the need to sell books. Unfortunately, reform texts are not
selling. The large community colleges with huge numbers of students,
particularly those in Florida, California, and Texas, are driving the
market and they, by and large, want traditional texts. Many of their
sections are taught by adjuncts who cannot be expected to devote the time
required to dramatically change the curriculum . These colleges are also
under very strong pressure to raise their pass rates. This is easier for
them to accomplish with a curriculum that is heavily skills-based.

I wonder how many classes are still being taught without technology. I
wonder how many faculty resist change in texts or schedule because "I'd
have to change my lecture notes". (That was a tale of woe related to me at
AMATYC). I wonder just how many instructors think that we even need to
change the way we teach.

I live near the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater, rivers with salmon
and steelhead that have to cross multiple dams to return to their
birthplaces to spawn. Sometimes I think those of us who are trying to
change mathematics curriculum and pedagogy are like these fish and
tradition, custom, and pragmatism seem as massive as the dams.

--Laura

____________________________________________________________________
Laura Bracken bracken@lcsc.edu

Division of Natural Science and Mathematics Office: 208-799-2484
Lewis-Clark State College Fax: 208-799-2064
500 8th Avenue
Lewiston, ID 83501
_____________________________________________________________________

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