Document Type
Poster
Session Format
Graduate Research Poster (no oral presentation)
Location
Magnolia Ballroom
Publication Date
2024
Faculty Advisor
Cynthia Alby
Start Date
27-3-2024 10:00 AM
End Date
27-3-2024 10:50 AM
Abstract
“Pre-Calculus: Thinking Deeply About Simple Things” is a research-based creative endeavor focused on designing a high-school pre-calculus course. This course aims to foster deep, meaningful thinking, as well as an appreciation of the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the math classroom. The course leverages students’ funds of knowledge to employ culturally responsive teaching methods to connect mathematical concepts to the students’ backgrounds, interests, and real-life situations. This course also integrates social-emotional learning to create an engaging and supportive learning environment for all students. By combining Peter Liljedahl’s “Building Thinking Classroom in Mathematics” approach with problem-based learning, the course aims to stimulate deep thinking and collaborative exploration among students. The course also reduces the traditional grading pressure through an assessment process based on feedback rather than percentage grading, as well as implementing brain-based learning practices such as brain breaks, pre-questions, and guided self-assessment to enhance cognitive engagement. A foundational feature of the course is the incorporation of AI technology tailored to offer personalized learning experiences for each student, furthering both their understanding of mathematics and of the technology itself to prepare students to be at the cutting edge of whatever comes next for them after high school. This course offers an innovative and effective way to teach pre-calculus in a way that honors diversity, promotes equity, and inspires curiosity while promoting deep, thoughtful thinking about students’ own worlds.
Recommended Citation
Carter, Jacob, "Pre-Calculus: Thinking Deeply About Simple Things" (2024). Graduate Research Showcase. 117.
https://kb.gcsu.edu/grposters/117