03/25/04 MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT, FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY

MATH COLLOQUIUM, THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 11:00 AM, STARR 138

INVITED Glenda Lappan,

SPEAKER: Professor, Department of Mathematics, Michigan State University

TITLE: The Challenge of Teaching Mathematics so that

Students Learn to Think Mathematically

Abstract:

There are different stances (theories) of how students should learn

mathematics and of how mathematics should be taught. A teacher's

stance toward learning and toward instruction has consequences for

students. We can examine these by looking at what opportunities to

think mathematically are afforded to students in different kinds of

tasks. Examination of tasks posed and the expectations of teachers as

inferred from these tasks will be used to illustrate ideas about what

our mathematics curriculum might include for students if we value

thinking, justification, and reasoning in mathematics.

REFRESHMENTS: 11:00 AM, STARR 138

Please visit Math Colloquium website at

http://www.ferris.edu/htmls/colleges/artsands/Math/MATH_COLLOQUIUM/ColloquiumWeb/index.html