Math educators from across the country converged on the campus of the University of Central Arkansas recently to discuss challenges in mathematics learning.
The 37th annual meeting of the Research Council on Mathematics Learning was held March 11-13. More than 80 educators from 15 states participated in the national conference that featured two lectures and 63 sessions on mathematics learning.
The sessions examined topics such as mathematics learning for students who are learning English as a second language; how demographics affect mathematics scores on the Arkansas Comprehensive Testing, Assessment and Accountability Program; and how to use movies, literature, and the Internet to promote critical mathematical fluency. Several presentations were made by UCA math faculty and graduate students. The conference was hosted by the Arkansas Center for Mathematics and Science Education and the Department of Mathematics at the University of Central Arkansas. The conference chair was Dr. Umadevi Garimella, director of the Arkansas Center for Mathematics and Science Education (ACMSE), and the program chair was Ms. Belinda Robertson, mathematics instructional facilitator with ACMSE.
The conference is unique because it provides math educators a platform to discuss methods of improving mathematics learning, said Dr. Ramesh Garimella, chair of UCA’s Department of Mathematics.
“They are exchanging ideas and trying to learn from each other,” Dr. Garimella said. “Usually at big conferences, you have people come in and do a ten-minute lecture and then they are out. You don’t have time for questions or interaction. This conference allows for really in depth conversations about the state of mathematics, how we can improve the teaching of mathematics, and how we can improve mathematics learning at all levels.”
More than 70 faculty members and students from universities across the nation submitted proposals to give presentations at the conference, said Dr. Carolyn Pinchback, a math professor at UCA who also serves as vice president for conferences on the Research Council on Mathematics Learning Executive Board. After being notified that their proposals had been accepted for presentation at the meeting, speakers then submitted their manuscripts for possible publication.
The manuscripts were then forwarded to referees for reviews. All manuscripts with favorable reviews were submitted for inclusion in the 2010 RCML Proceedings to be published.
“One of the things that I am really proud of this year is this is the first year we have had a refereed published proceedings,” said Dr. Pinchback. “I am really excited about it.”
Dr. Uma Garimella, with the Arkansas Center for Mathematics and Science Education, felt it was the right time for such a conference because the state is becoming more aggressive about improving math and science education. The goal of Arkansas Center for Mathematics and Science Education is to improve mathematics and science education in the state through the implementation of programs which enhance the mathematical and scientific knowledge of the Arkansas students and teachers.
“This year, there is a big push for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education,” said Dr. Uma Garimella. “This conference not only fits our mission, but also the university’s mission. The university has been leaning toward STEM education for some time.”
The university will open its STEM Residential College the fall of 2010. The residential college will provide opportunities for greater student engagement and serve as a recruiting tool for students seeking a high quality, learning environment in the areas of math, science, computer science, technology and secondary math/science education.
The University of Central Arkansas is known for its math education program throughout the state and region, noted Dr. Ramesh Garimella. The conference showcased the university’s programs.
“This conference put us on the map,” Garimella said. “Now, they talk about UCA as one of the places where a lot of activities are going on in terms of math education.”
