MATHEMATICS/ PHYSICAL EDUCATION NEWSLETTER
Transcript of MATHEMATICS/ PHYSICAL EDUCATION NEWSLETTER
MATHEMATICS/
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
NEWSLETTER
Kenneth Hufham
Department Chair
Website:
cfcc.edu/programs/math
Spring 2013
Beginning in Fall 2013, our developmental math program will go through a major
overhaul. As mandated by the System Office, developmental math has been broken up
into eight modules agreed upon and approved by the state.
1. What are the changes?
Currently our developmental math classes (MAT 060, MAT 070, and MAT 080) are
“shell” courses which consist of DMA (Developmental Math) modules as given:
MAT 060 currently consists of DMA 010, 020, and 030.
MAT 070 currently consists of DMA 040 and 050.
MAT 080 currently consists of DMA 060, 070, and 080
Starting Fall 2013, MAT 060, MAT 070, and MAT 080 will be replaced with four (4)
Developmental Math Shell (DMS) courses: DMS 001, DMS 002, DMS 003, and DMS 004.
The DMS courses are going to house the four-week DMA modules, just like our current
developmental classes do above, except students will take the DMAs based on their
program of study and may place out of already mastered DMA modules using the new
diagnostic test.
2. What does this mean to advisors and students?
If the student needs ONLY one DMA module, then the student signs up for DMS
001—1 credit hour course
If the student needs EXACTLY two DMA modules, then the student signs up for
DMS 002—2 credit hour course
If the student needs EXACTLY three DMA modules, then the student signs up for
DMS 003—3 credit hour course
If the student needs four or more DMA modules, then the student signs up for DMA
004—4 credit hour course
Please note that failure to register for the correct credit hour DMS course may result in
a loss or reduction of financial aid. Veterans receiving benefits must register for
developmental math with a counselor or the veteran’s coordinator, Bob Philpott in room
S-400. 910-362-7106 [email protected]
Fa l l 2013 Deve lo pm en t a l M a t h Re des ig n
In this issue:
Developmental Math
Redesign
Early Registration
and Advising
New Internet Clas-
ses
New Instructors
Instructor Valerie
Melvin attends con-
ference in S. Korea
Math Club News
Instructors attend
NCTM
What’s New in
Physical Education
Math Careers
Found on facebook
MATHEMATICS/
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
NEWSLETTER
Early Registration and Advising
Registration is taking place now and through the summer. Here are some advising
tips that may help you as you carefully map out course selections:
If you are required to take one or more pre-curriculum modules of mathemat-
ics, don’t wait. Sign up for the appropriate DMS shell as soon as possible.
Many students need several modules to complete their math sequence.
Most of our math classes require the use of a calculator. A TI-83/84 is re-
quired for the majority of the college transfer classes (MAT 140 and above) while an inexpensive
scientific calculator can be used for the developmental/technical courses. The cost of the TI-83/84
calculator is about $95.
Most math classes are taught using MyMathLab (MML). MML is an interactive website where you
can view digital lectures, do homework or quizzes assigned by your instructor, self-test and work
through practice exercises with step-by-step help, and access an online/telephone tutoring service.
Your new textbook will be bundled with an access code if purchased through the CFCC
bookstore. If you purchased a used book, you will need to purchase the access code separately. It
is available at the CFCC bookstore or can be purchased online during the registration process us-
ing a major credit card. Cost is about $75.
CFCC has a Learning Lab in the LRC where you will find the math tutoring in room L-219. These
resources are free to CFCC students.
New Internet Classes
MAT 141 Mathematical Concepts I, MAT 142 Mathematical Concepts II, and
MAT 115 Mathematical Models are now being offered as full distance learning in-
ternet classes.
Sign up for: MAT 141 I1, MAT 142 I1, or MAT 115 I1
There is also one Physical Education internet class.
Sign up for PED 110 (sections I1 through I8). The requirement for this
class is that you have an active gym membership.
MATHEMATICS/
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
NEWSLETTER
Mathematics/Physical Education Welcomes Four New Instructors 2012-2013
Brandy Jones, Mathematics: Brandy Jones, an adjunct instructor for the past 8 years, is
very happy to now be on our full-time staff. Brandy has a B.S. in Mathematics from
UNCW where she graduated with honors. One of her projects while at UNCW was
the creation of an online math version of the game Cranium. This summer she finished
her studies at UNCW receiving a M.S. degree in Mathematics. While at UNCW, Brandy
also minored in Theatre and has had an avid interest in acting and the arts since the early
90’s. Through the years she has been involved in many theatre productions and movies.
Brandy is mom to 16-year-old Ryan and 11- year-old Hannah,.
Sandi Keith, Physical Education: Sandi Keith grew up in Ardmore, Oklahoma
where she played tennis and basketball, and was all state in both sports. She then
went to Oklahoma City and East Central University in Oklahoma, where she played
tennis and basketball.. After college graduation she attended Lamar University in
Beaumont TX, receiving a Master’s Degree in Kinesiology. She then traveled to
Dana College where she was a head women’s basketball coach at age 24 and a
Health and PE instructor. After that she ended up at UNCP as the assistant wom-
en’s basketball coach and head tennis coach and instructor of health and PE. Sandi
runs triathlons and competes in tennis. She was asked to represent NC in the
Southern Cup that was played in Alabama, an invitation only tournament. Her hus-
band is Dr. Lon Keith, a dentist in Wilmington. Sandi says she is a firm believer that your attitude can bring you
anything you want in life!
Erica Reynolds, Mathematics: Erica Reynolds is a graduate of Florida Gulf
Coast University with a BA in Mathematics and a Master’s Degree in Curricu-
lum and Instruction with a concentration in Mathematics. Erica started her
teaching career as a high school math teacher at Estero High School in Estero,
FL where she became the Estero High Teacher of the Year. She then went on
to teach at Ponte Vedra High School in Ponte Vedra, FL. Upon moving to Jack-
sonville, NC she taught at White Oak High School. Erica came to teaching a bit
later in her career, starting out as a general manager, training coordinator, and
administrative assistant for Boston Market in Boca Raton, FL. Outside of her teaching career here at CFCC, Erica
is mom to 16-year-old Sydney and 14-year-old Kayla, and is an avid bicyclist, participating in national bicycle races.
Susan Zenner, Mathematics: Susan Zenner was raised in Austin, TX. She
received her undergraduate degree from the University of Texas (magna cum
laude) and her graduate degree from East Carolina University. She taught sec-
ondary mathematics for public high schools for the last 10 years, and worked part
time at CFCC for several years before being hired full time. Susan is engaged to
be married and is busy planning her wedding to Elton Holleman in August. She is
mom to 14-year-old Bethany and will soon be stepmom to 11-year-old Anna.
MATHEMATICS/
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
NEWSLETTER
CFCC Mathematics Instructor Valerie Melvin Attends
The 12th International Congress of Mathematics Education in Seoul, South Korea
By Valerie Melvin
During the past summer, due to a grant from the Na-
tional Council of Teachers of Mathematics, I had the
great privilege to attend the 12th International Con-
gress of Mathematical Education. This international
congress, held every 4 years, was in Seoul, South Ko-
rea, July 8th—15th, 2012 at the Coex Convention and
Exhibition Center. This four story convention center
contained a mall, three hotels, an airport terminal, an
aquarium, a theater, a casino, and more than fifty
meeting rooms.
The Congress hosted a Mathematics Carnival; and, more than 1000 local students ranging in age from 6
to 16 explored the displays. The congress has also been held in France, England, Germany, USA, Aus-
tralia, Hungary, Canada, Spain, Japan, Denmark, and Mexico. The next congress will be held in Ham-
burg, Germany July 24—31, 2016.
The opening and closing ceremonies were spectacu-
lar; every day began with plenary sessions covering
topics as vast as comparisons of Western and Asian
pedagogy to the butterfly effect. My grant responsi-
bilities included participating in the topic study group
entitled “Analysis of uses of technology in the teach-
ing of mathematics”. Many of my international col-
leagues were impressed with GeoGebra, a free inter-
active algebra, geometry, and calculus software pro-
gram. The obvious observation was that the US has
access to and uses more technology in education than
most countries. The not so obvious is that technology
does not translate to accelerated understanding or
success.
MATHEMATICS/
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
NEWSLETTER
According to the Trends in International Mathematics
and Science Study (TIMSS), a 2011 eighth grade com-
parison of mathematic achievement of fifty-six educa-
tional systems, the United States ranked in the top
twenty-four. Eleven systems had higher averages than
the US, twelve were not measurably different. Some
countries included in the top eleven were Korea, Singa-
pore, Chinese Taipei-CHN, Hong Kong-CHN, Japan,
the Russian Federation, and Quebec. Korea, ranking
number one, is just now beginning to incorporate tech-
nologies such as graphic calculators and computers in mathematics instruction.
So how are the Asian countries outscoring the west-
ern countries in TIMSS? Some would suggest that
western countries have concentrated on the individu-
al to a fault. I contend the Asian culture is to revere
education and educators; the western culture is more
apt to take educational opportunities for granted.
We have a saying in our western culture, “those who
can, do, those who can’t, teach”. There is much less
respect for educators in western cultures. In Asian
cultures, if a student performs poorly in class, the
parents personally apologize to the teacher for their child’s meager performance. Western cultures
need a societal shift in thinking with regard to education; we could use some of the Asian admiration.
The ICME-12 experience was amazing. In addition to the congress sessions, each attendee was treated
to an excursion. We chose from fifteen different guided tours. I visited the Presidential Blue House,
the Royal Guard changing ceremony at Kyungbok Palace, the National Folk Museum, and Insadong and
the Namdaemun Market. I also visited the demilitarized
zone. (pictured at right)
I would recommend that every mathematics educator
take in an international congress; and go early in your
career. I have changed the way I teach due to this expe-
rience. Global awareness is now sprinkled throughout
my lectures. Now that I have expanded my world, I want
my students to also have that experience. It is more im-
portant than ever that we nurture global citizenship.
MATHEMATICS/
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
NEWSLETTER
CFCC Math Club News
Officers: President: Juan Guavera (middle)
Vice President: Nicole Nason (left)
Secretary: Emily Reynolds (right)
Treasurer: Steve Hammer
The CFCC Math Club has been very active this year. We meet every week. In the fall it was
every Tuesday and this spring it is every Wednesday. We use this time to prepare for compe-
titions, organize community service projects, or just have some nerdy fun with math games or
movies.
In the fall we participated in Fall Fest and raised club funds to sponsor a math movie night ca-
tered by the CFCC Culinary department. We also participated in the AMATYC Student Math
League Exam. Our treasurer, Steve Hammer, placed second and won $75. Together with the
Math Department, we raised over $700 for CFCC Foundation’s Holiday Helpers project. The
money raised was given to CFCC students in need to provide for holiday shopping and meals.
We helped Cape Fear River Watch with a Saturday cleanup in October. The Math Club also
volunteered at the Good Shepherd Ministries in November making dinner for local homeless
individuals. One of our members even supplied beautiful piano music for added atmosphere.
We have had a great spring as well. We participated in the Cape Fear Museum’s Pi
Day on March 14 (3.14). Pi Day is an opportunity for local school kids to come out
and participate in math games and exploration. Looking ahead, we are hoping to
have the opportunity to cook again at Good Shepherd and do more road side clean up. The
Math Club had a booth at the Spring Fling festival and participated in a calculus competition in
Gainesville, Ga. Instructors James Walters and Laura Taylor chaperoned 7 mathletes to rep-
resent CFCC. We also took part in the spring round of the Student Math League Exam.
The Math Club is a wonderful opportunity for students to expand on
their mathematics understanding in a supportive and relaxed atmos-
phere.
Our goal is to save the world one equation at a time!
MATHEMATICS/
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
NEWSLETTER
CFCC Mathematics Instructors attend NCTM in Philadelphia
In April 2012, Caroline Greenough (left) and Shannon
Gunter (right) attended the NCTM (National Council of
Teachers of Mathematics) conference in Philadelphia.
This conference consisted of over 300 workshops and is
open to mathematics teachers and instructors of a range
from pre-kindergarten through college. This conference
attracts participants from the nation and the world, and
has many presentations that are on the cutting edge of
mathematics instruction and technology.
Ms. Gunter and Ms. Greenough learned a lot of new information that will benefit their MAT 141 and
MAT 142 classes. They also learned much on how to teach probability and statistics to these classes.
There were also sessions on the Common Core state standards and Financial Algebra geared to pro-
spective teachers of grades 9 through 12. An interesting workshop that Ms. Gunter attended was enti-
tled “Using Music Videos in the Key of Mathematics” which highlighted math in music, and music creat-
ed based on transformations. Caroline and Shannon really enjoyed this conference and even attended a
Phillies game!
What’s New in Physical Education
Each Spring for the past eight years the Physical Education Instructors have offered a backpacking class
for the students at CFCC. There is usually a trip taken during the semester, after all of the course
work has been completed. PE has been to Mount Rogers (the highest
peak in Virginia) and observed the wild ponies and the beauty of the
Appalachian highlands. Lately they have been working on sections of
the Mountains to the Sea trail. They are planning on going to Linville
Gorge this year. It is the third largest wilderness area in North Caroli-
na. They study the principles of Leave No Trace in order to promote
conservation of the outdoors.
Backpacking at Mount Rogers,
Doc Wilson and David Kreutzer are forming a CFCC Aikido club for stu-
dents, faculty, and staff. Aikido is a martial art that promotes peace and har-
mony. It uses the opponents’ energy to avoid or diffuse an attack. UNCW
has a club such as this, and it would be a nice way for students who start here
to continue their study when they transfer.
MATHEMATICS/
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
NEWSLETTER
10 Fastest-Growing Careers for Math Majors
Actuary
Cryptographer
Economist
Financial Analyst
Mathematician
Operations Research Analyst
Personal Financial Advisor
Statistician
Teacher K-12
Teacher in Post-secondary School
Found on facebook
Quick! Do the following problem. Do not use
paper. Do not use a calculator.
You have 1000,
Add 40,
Add 1000,
Add 30,
Add 1000 again,
Add 20,
Add 1000 again
And finally add 10
What is your result? Now let someone write
it down and find the correct answer!
Found on facebook
There seems to be quite an obsession with the mys-
teries of math and how what seems to be true and
correct, actually is not. Many problems are circulat-
ing on facebook which require the use of correct
order of operations. This seems to mystify many
people who insist on getting the answer the way
they would have done so in second grade!
Here are some examples:
1. What is 6/2(2 + 1) ? Of course the answer is 9,
but so many commenters on facebook insist
that the answer is 1!
2. What is 12—1 x 0 + 4 / 2 ?
(Using Order of Operations, the correct answer is either 2, 4, or
14))
3. What is 4 x 4 + 4 x 4 + 4-4 x 4 ?
(Using Order of Operations, the correct answer is either 32, 20, or
320)
4. And then the geometric:
How many triangles are in this picture? (Be sure to
look at the whole rectangular picture!)
(The answer is either 13, 11, or 15)
All of these problems have been found on facebook.
Our CFCC math students know the answer!
Answers: 2. 14 3. 20 4. 15
Math/PE Newsletter Editor: Valerie Hawes Maley S-602D ext 7306