2009 JMM MAA Panels, Posters, and Other Sessions

MAA Panels, Posters, and Other Sessions, Washington, D.C. Joint Mathematics Meetings, January 5-8, 2009

National Science Foundation Programs Supporting Learning and Teaching in the Mathematical Sciences
Organized by Henry Warchall (NSF/DMS); Karen A. Marrongelle (NSF/DRL); and Daniel P. Maki, Ginger H. Rowell, Elizabeth J. Teles, and Lee L. Zia (NSF/DUE)
Monday, January 5, 9:00 a.m.-10:20 a.m.
A number of NSF divisions offer a variety of grant programs that support innovations in learning and teaching in the mathematical sciences. These programs will be discussed along with examples of successful projects. Anticipated budget highlights and other new initiatives for the next fiscal year will also be presented.

Finding Your nth Job (for n Greater than or Equal to 2)
Organized by Joshua D. Laison, Willamette University; Aaron Luttman, Clarkson University; and Ralucca M. Gera, Naval Postgraduate School
Monday, January 5, 9:00 a.m.­10:20 a.m.
Your first job in academia is often not your last. Visiting positions, postdocs, and bad matches mean in many cases that the next step after finding a job inacademia is to find another one. Many new issues arise when searching for your second, or third, or nth position. This panel will focus on what makes later job searches different from your first and how best to prepare to re-enter the job market. Sponsored by the Young Mathematicians' Network.

ICME­11 in Retrospect
Organized by Martha J. Siegel, Towson University, and William G. McCallum, University of Arizona
Monday, January 5, 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
Panelists will present the newest research in mathematics education K­20 from an international perspective.

Mathematical Sociology
Organized by Barbara F. Meeker and Joseph Auslander, University of Maryland, College Park
Monday, January 5, 2:15 p.m.- 4:15 p.m.
Mathematical sociology is a branch of applied mathematics, in which sociologists use mathematical models (including graph theory, stochastic models, game theory, computer simulation, and differential equations) to describe sociological phenomena such as population growth and decline, income inequality, decision-making in small groups and social networks. This panel consists of presentations of examples of their own work by four members of the mathematical sociology section of the American Sociological Association. Speakers in this invited paper session include Phillip Bonacich, University of California at Los Angeles, Network implications of social exchange: An overview; John C. Angle, Inequality Process Institute, A particle system that mimics empirical income dynamics; Guillermina Jasso, New York University, Exploring polarization: The effects of general inequality and subgroup relative size on distance between subgroups and dispersion within subgroups; and Barbara F. Meeker, Mathematical models of talking in discussion groups.

Project NExT/Young Mathematicians' Network Poster Session
Organized by Michael C. Axtell, Wabash College, and Kevin E. Charlwood, Washburn University
Monday, January 5, 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
This session is intended to highlight the research activities, both mathematical and pedagogical, of recent or future Ph.D.'s in mathematics and related fields. The organizers seek to provide an open venue for people who are near completion, or have finished their graduate studies in the last five years to present their work and make connections with other same-stage professionals, in much the same spirit as the YMN and Project NExT. The posterboard size will be 48" by 36"; it is best to have the posters 36" high. Posterboards and materials for posting pages on the posters will be provided on site. If you are interested in participating, submit copies of your abstract to axtellm@wabash.edu and kevin.charlwood@washburn.edu.

Starting and Maintaining an Academic Year Undergraduate Research Program
Organized by Michael J. Dorff, Brigham Young University, and Zsuzsanna Szaniszlo, Valparaiso University
Monday, January 5, 3:50 p.m.- 5:10 p.m.
There is a growing trend to have undergraduate students participate in research during the academic year. In this session several experienced professors will share their insight and ideas on the following topics: 1) Purposes for doing undergraduate research; (2) Finding students to do undergraduate research; (3) Finding research problems for undergraduates; (4) Characteristics of good undergraduate research problems; (5) Logistics of an academic year undergraduate research program; and (6) Student presentations and written report/paper. A question and answer period will conclude the session. Panelists are Sarah Spence Adams, Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering; Rebecca Garcia, Sam Houston State University; Richard A. Gillman, Valparaiso University; Darren A. Narayan, Rochester Institute of Technology; and Daniel J. Schaal, South Dakota State University. Sponsored by the MAA CUPM Subcommittee on Research by Undergraduates.

How to Apply for Jobs
Organized by David C.Manderscheid, University of Nebraska
Monday, January 5, 4:30 p.m.-5:40 p.m.
This session is aimed at Ph.D. students and recent Ph.D.'s. An overview of the employment process will be given with ample opportunity for participants to ask questions. Questions that will be addressed include: How do you find which jobs are available? How do you choose which jobs you want to apply for? What are academic and other employers looking for in the materials that you send? What should you be doing now? How do schools conduct interviews? How can you best prepare for these interviews? How do employers choose to whom they will make offers? How do you negotiate once you have an offer? Panelists are Sharon M. Clarke, Pepperdine University; James H. Freeman, Cornell College; David C. Manderscheid, plus someone from industry and possibly someone from a community college. Cosponsored by the MAA Committee on Graduate Students and the Young Mathematicians¹ Network.

The CNN United States of Mathematics Presidential Debate
Coordinated by Colin C. Adams and Thomas Garrity, Williams College
Monday, January 5, 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
In perhaps the most critical election in the history of the United States of Mathematics, two diametrically opposed candidates are vying for the presidency. Should it be the figure-eight knot, the first knot to run for the presidency and a strong supporter of the jobs program for unemployed mathematical symbols, or should it be the Euclidean algorithm, the first algorithm to run and a firm believer in cutting the equality sign tax? Don't miss the fireworks in this historic debate.

Mathematical Outreach Programs for Underrepresented Populations
Organized by Elizabeth (Betsy) G. Yanik, Emporia State University
Tuesday, January 6, 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
This poster session is designed to highlight special programs which have been developed to encourage students from underrepresented populations to maintain an interest in and commitment to succeeding in mathematics. These programs might include such activities as after school clubs, weekend activities, one-day conferences, mentoring opportunities with women professionals, summer camps, etc. In particular, recipients of Tensor and SUMMA grants will find this an ideal venue in which to share the progress of their funded projects. We encourage everyone involved with offering outreach activities to consider submitting an abstract to the session organizer, Betsy Yanik, yanikeli@emporia.edu. The deadline for submissions is December 1, 2008. Sponsored by the Women and Mathematics Network, a subcommittee of the MAA Committee on the Participation of Women.

Session for Chairs
Organized by Daniel P. Maki, Indiana University, and Catherine M. Murphy, Purdue University Calumet
Tuesday, January 6, 9:00 a.m.-10:20 a.m.
This session will focus on the suggestions contained in the MAA's Guidelines for Programs and Departments in Undergraduate Mathematical Sciences, www.maa.org/guidelines/guidelines.html. Susan C. Geller, Texas A&M University, chair of the MAA's Committee on the Profession, will present a summary of the Guidelines and, with the organizers of this session, will lead a discussion of areas of most interest to the attendees. Attendees are encouraged to read the Guidelines which are available at the above URL and come to the session with questions and suggestions.

Multidisciplinary Projects that Hook Those Not Usually Interested in Mathematics
Organized by Alex J. Heidenberg and Gerald C. Kobylski, U.S. Military Academy at West Point
Tuesday, January 6, 9:00 a.m.­10:20 a.m.
A majority of college students study mathematics courses to fulfill their degree requirements. These students, many of whom dislike or fear mathematics, generally do not see mathematics as a tool for their discipline. How do we as mathematics educators excite these students about learning mathematics? Panelists from four different universities, Laurie J. Heyer, Davidson College; Shawnee L. McMurran, California State University, San Bernardino; Michael Huber, Muhlenberg College; and Barbra S. Melendez, U.S. Military Academy, will discuss examples of multi-disciplinary projects that they have used that require students to discover connections between mathematical concepts and disciplines in which they are interested. The panelists will specifically discuss their multi-disciplinary project, the logistics of its implementation, and an assessment regarding the effectiveness of the learning experience. Panelists will also discuss the barriers they had to overcome and provide suggestions for others who are interested in implementing these ideas at their institution.

Proposal Writing Workshop for Grant Applications to the NSF Division of Undergraduate Education
Organized by Daniel P. Maki, Ginger H. Rowell, Elizabeth J. Teles, and Lee L. Zia, Division of Undergraduate Education, National Science Foundation
Tuesday, January 6, 10:45 a.m.-12:05 p.m.
Presenters will describe the general NSF grant proposal process and consider particular details relevant to programs in the Division of Undergraduate Education. This interactive session will feature a series of "read/think/share/report" exercises built around a series of short excerpts from sample proposals.

Picture This! Geometry Software
Organized by Mary L. Platt, Salem State College; Marina Vulis, University of New Haven; and Lawrence Moore, Duke University
Tuesday, January 6, 10:45 a.m.-12:05 p.m.
Interested in using geometry software in the classroom? This panel will showcase four options for freeware, Geometry Explorer, GeoGebra, Google SketchUp, and Spherical Easel. Each panelist will give a brief history of the software, describe what the software is designed to do, discuss any extensions of the software beyond geometry topics, and demonstrate of the software. Time will be reserved for questions and comments from the audience. Panelists include Michael D. Hvidsten, Gustavus Adolphus College, Geometry Explorer; David Fowler, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Geogebra; Jon Choate, Groton School, Google SketchUp; and David Austin, Grand Valley State University, Spherical Easel. The panel will be moderated by Mary L. Platt and Marina Vulis. Sponsored by the Committee on Technology in Mathematics Education.

The Intersection of the History and Philosophy of Mathematics
organized by Bonnie Gold, Monmouth University, and Amy Shell-Gellasch, Pacific Lutheran University
Tuesday, January 6, 10:45 a.m.­12:05 p.m.
The best work in the philosophy of mathematics is accurately descriptive of mathematics as it is actually done. This often requires careful examination of the history of mathematics. On the other hand, the best work in the history of mathematics must include philosophical concerns related to that mathematics. This panel will discuss several cases of the history of mathematics and the philosophy of mathematics influencing each other. Panelists are Thomas L. Drucker, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater; Kenneth L. Manders, University of Pittsburgh; and Daniel C. Sloughter, Furman University. Cosponsored by the SIGMAA on the History of Mathematics and the SIGMAA on the Philosophy of Mathematics.

Using Open Source Software for Undergraduate Courses
Organized by Karl-Dieter Crisman, Gordon College; Marshall E. Hampton, University of Minnesota, Duluth; and David Joyner, U.S. Naval Academy
Tuesday, January 6, 1:00 p.m.-2:20 p.m.
The open source software paradigm provides freely available and freely modifiable software to anyone with an Internet connection, including much mathematics software. Some of the most familiar to the math community are LaTEX and the Firefox web browser, but there are many other high-quality projects as well. Two reasons this software is appropriate for use in the undergraduate curriculum are its affordability for institutions where this is a limiting factor, and the ability for advanced students with programming experience to see the inner workings of, contribute to, and improve upon software they constantly use. This panel will describe and demonstrate a variety of successful uses of open source software in contexts ranging from the introductory classroom to senior projects. Panelists are John A. Verzani, CUNY, Introductory Statistics with R; Michael E. Gage, University of Rochester, WebWorK; Robert Miller, University of Washington, and David Joyner, Differential Equations with Sage, U.S. Naval Academy.

Teaching Postdocs: A Journey from Graduate School to a Position in the World of Mathematics
Organized by Stephen M. Gagola III, University of Arizona, and Feryal Alayont, Grand Valley State University
Tuesday, January 6, 1:00 p.m.-2:20 p.m.
Teaching postdoc programs can play an important role in helping people gain different types of experience that are relevant to their future careers. These positions are similar to postdoctoral positions in research except that the postdoctoral fellow is introduced to new teaching techniques and scholarly activities pertaining to teaching. Such programs offer postdocs an opportunity to gain experience in broad instructional and scholarly activities in an environment committed to excellence in teaching and learning. Examples of such activities are teaching across the undergraduate curriculum, participating in independent study and research projects, training teaching assistants, designing courses, grant writing, outreach activities, along with participating in research groups. The session will serve to inform the audience of the ways a teaching postdoc program can be beneficial to potential employees, math departments interested in starting such a program, and current teaching postdocs interested in how such programs have helped others in the past. Panelists are Taliesin Sutton, University of Arizona; Andrew G. Bennett, Kansas State University; Nathan A. Carlson, University of Arizona; Steven J. Schlicker, Grand Valley State University; and Matt Salomone, Bates College. Sponsored by the MAA Committee on Graduate Students.

Preparing Students to Communicate Mathematics
Organized by Lewis D. Ludwig, Denison University
Tuesday, January 6, 1:00 p.m.-2:20 p.m.
As research in mathematics by undergraduates becomes more and more prevalent, it is important that students effectively communicate and disseminate their ideas and findings. The participants in this panel will share their experiences and suggestions for successfully preparing students to communicate mathematics through oral presentations, posters sessions, and articles, ranging from the classroom to organized conferences. This panel is intended for a general audience. Panelists are Joseph A. Gallian, University of Minnesota-Duluth; Darren A. Narayan, Rochester Institute of Technology; and Michael E. Orrison, Harvey Mudd College. Cosponsored by the CUPM Subcommittee on Research by Undergraduates and Project NExT.

Projects Supported by the NSF Division of Undergraduate Education
Organized by Jon W. Scott, Montgomery Community College
Tuesday, January 6, 2:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.
This poster session will feature principal investigators (PIs) presenting progress and outcomes from various NSF funded projects in the Division of Undergraduate Education. The poster session format will permit ample opportunity for attendees to engage in small group discussions with the PIs and to network with each other. Information about presenters and their projects will appear in the program.

Online Homework Systems: A Pedagogical Prospective
Organized by Ellen E. Kirkman, Wake Forest University, and Cheryl Miner, Nebraska Wesleyan University
Tuesday, January 6, 2:30 p.m.­3:50 p.m.
This panel will consider online homework systems in courses at the calculus level and above from a pedagogical prospective. Panelists will include faculty who have experience using online homework systems and/or have done research on their effectiveness as a teaching tool. The panelists will consider questions such as: How can online systems be used to facilitate student learning? For what sorts of topics are they useful, or not useful? What are problems that one encounters in using online systems? What are the best practices in using online systems effectively? Our focus is not on the particular products and how to use them, but rather the pedagogical strengths and weaknesses that they bring to the classroom. Panelists include Andrew G. Bennett, Kansas State University; Ellen E. Kirkman; and P. Gavin LaRose, University of Michigan. Sponsored by the Committee on the Teaching of Undergraduate Mathematics.

Hiring, Tenuring, and Promoting Statisticians in a Mathematics or Mathematical Sciences Department
organized by Patricia B. Humphrey, Georgia Southern University; Chris J. Lacke, Rowan University; Michael A. Posner, Villanova University; and Robin H. Lock, St. Lawrence University
Tuesday, January 6, 2:30 p.m.- 3:50 p.m.
At many small and medium-size institutions, statistics courses are offered by departments of mathematics, mathematics and statistics, or mathematical sciences. Our hope and intention is to help educate chairs and members of mathematics departments who incorporate statisticians to the fact that these individuals may need to be treated somewhat differently than the typical mathematician. Specifically, we will address (1) Any differences in the search/hiring process. (For example, there are typically many times fewer statisticians than mathematicians in any given year. Salary surveys indicate statisticians command higher salaries. Is this a problem?) (2) What role, if any, does consulting work play in the promotion and tenure processes? (3) The assessment of the quality and value of statistical research as opposed to mathematical research. (4) Any other ways in which statisticians might be "different" from the typical mathematician. Panelists include Carolyn K. Cuff, Westminster College (moderator); Patti Frazer Lock, St. Lawrence University; Douglas E. Norton, Villanova University; and Lila F. Roberts, Georgia College & State University and Clayton State University. Cosponsored by the SIGMAA on Statistics Education and the ASA­MAA Joint Committee on Statistics.

The Story of Maths I
Tuesday, January 6, 3:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.
This film will be introduced by Robin Wilson, The Open University, and covers Egyptian, Mesopotamian, and Greek mathematics. It is the first of a series of four one-hour television programs by the BBC and The Open University, filmed around the world by Marcus du Sautoy. See Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. for Part II.

Lewis Carroll in Numberland
Performed by Robin Wilson, The Open University
Tuesday, January 6, 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
This illustrated one-hour informal dramatic performance presents the mathematical life of Charles Dodgson (Lewis Carroll)­as a student, a mathematics lecturer, a champion of Euclid and a logician­in a light-hearted and informative way. What mathematics did he do? What was he interested in? How good a mathematician was he? Sponsored by the SIGMAA on the History of Mathematics.

Environmental Mathematics­Getting It in the Curriculum
Organized by Karen D. Bolinger, Clarion State University, and Ben A. Fusaro, Florida State University
Wednesday, January 7, 9:00 a.m.-10:20 a.m.
Introducing an unconventional subject into a mathematics program, even as a relatively harmless general education course, raises some interesting challenges. How can a course in applications offer any depth if it has no college mathematics pre-requisites? How can there be time for other than toy applications in a subject with the broad sweep of the environment? How can a faculty member be expected to cope with a subject that often requires a background in biology, chemistry, or geology? These, as well as audience-generated questions, will be addressed by the panelists Charles R. Hadlock, Bentley College; Martin E. Walter, University of Colorado at Boulder; and Ben A. Fusaro. The panel will be moderated by Lee Seitelman, United Technologies. Sponsored by the SIGMAA on Environmental Mathematics.

Placement Testing: Is It Working?
Organized by Jerry F. Dwyer, Texas Tech University, and Susan L. Forman, Bronx Community College, CUNY
Wednesday, January 7, 9:00 a.m.-10:20 a.m.
Panelists will describe the processes used by colleges and universities to evaluate the reliability, validity and effectiveness of their testing procedures for placing students into mathematics courses. Several perspectives will be presented including that of Bernard L. Madison, University of Arkansas, who is leading the development of the new MAA placement instrument. Dan Miller and Kent Pearce have developed placement tests at Milliken (private college) and Texas Tech (large public university), respectively. Judy E. Ackerman, Montgomery College, will present the view from a two-year college standpoint. Cosponsored by the MAA/NCTM Committee on Mutual Concerns and the MAA Committee on Articulation and Placement.

Refocusing the Courses Below Calculus: The View from the Dean's Office
Organized by Sheldon P. Gordon, Farmingdale State College
Wednesday, January 7, 1:00 p.m.-2:20 p.m.
Each year over a million students take college algebra and related courses that typically aim to prepare students for calculus. However, these courses do not adequately serve the needs of the overwhelming majority of students; do not adequately prepare most students who go on to subsequent mathematics courses; do not serve the needs of most quantitative disciplines or today's workplace; and are not an appropriate terminal mathematics experience for most students. The MAA is addressing the challenge of changing the focus in these courses to better serve the majority of students who take them. This session will give the dean's perspective on the college algebra issues: Information about enrollment and success rates; what the dean hears about these courses from students, parents, and faculty in other disciplines; how to approach the dean to request support to change the focus in these courses; and the kinds of support a dean can provide to facilitate change. Panelists include Bruce C. Crauder, Oklahoma State University; Judi H. Morrel, Butler University; Rhonda Mandel, SUNY Oswego; and Reggie K. U. Luke, Middlesex County College.

Power of Three: How the Public, Private, and Academic Sector Need to Work Together to Restore Education in America
Organized by Jim Whaley, president, Siemens Foundation
Wednesday, January 7, 1:00 p.m.-2:20 p.m.
Education in America is on a slippery slope. According to the World Economic Forum¹s "Global Competitiveness Report 2006­07", the U.S. dropped from first place to sixth place in global rankings. Today, countries such as Switzerland, Finland, and Sweden have moved up significantly on the list, due in part to their top-notch education systems that focus on technology and innovation. The Power of Three panel will discuss how the public, private and academic sectors must work together to restore America's competitiveness, particularly in the field of math. Without an emphasis on math-oriented education, American youth will not have the tools and abilities to solve complex problems such as developing ground-breaking technologies to improve homeland security, modernize our infrastructures, and further usher in the digital world. Representatives from some of the country¹s most prestigious institutions, along with pioneering private-sector companies and government officials, will discuss innovation and what is needed from all three sectors to restore America¹s educational system leadership at all levels.

From the Trenches: Middle School Teachers Look at Their Training
Organized by Florence D. Fasanelli, AAAS, and George M. Rosenstein, Franklin & Marshall College
Wednesday, January 7, 2:30 p.m.-3:50 p.m.
Four middle school teachers representing a variety of backgrounds and school settings (for example, public, private, and charter schools; diverse educational backgrounds; diverse ethnic groups) will discuss, under the guidance of a moderator, their training as mathematics teachers and their reactions to that training. Following their discussion a person active in the training of middle school teachers will respond. Panelists are Beth Cole, St. Patrick Episcopal School, Georgetown; Michelle Johncock, Edmund Burke School, Washington DC; Brieta Dougherty-Brill, Maya Angelou Public Charter School, Washington DC; and Marcia Cole, Clark Elementary School, Washington DC. Hyman Bass, University of Michigan, will moderate this panel.

The Story of Maths II
Wednesday, January 7, 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
This film will be introduced by Robin Wilson, The Open University, and is the last of a series of four one-hour television programs by the BBC and the Open University, filmed around the world by Marcus du Sautoy. This film covers twentieth-century European and American mathematics and contains some interesting archive material.

Actuarial Education Session
Organized by Robert E. Buck, Slippery Rock University; Bettye Anne Case, Florida State University; Kevin E. Charlwood, Washburn University; and Steve P. Paris, Florida State University
Wednesday, January 7, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Panelists will be local practicing actuaries, and discuss topics of import to the profession currently, with an emphasis on ties to programs in actuarial science in academia. The session is sponsored by Actuarial Educators.

Mathematics and Love: A Poetry Reading
Organized by JoAnne S. Growney, Silver Spring, MD
Wednesday, January 7, 7:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.
Mathematicians and friends of mathematicians are invited to this reading of "mathematical" love poems. An opening portion of the poetry program features guest readers whose poems are collected in a recent anthology of poems of love and mathematics edited by Sarah Glaz and JoAnne Growney. A second portion of the program is open for all math-poets to submit work on the same theme and to read. Mathematician poets who wish to participate should submit one to three poems (not more than three pages) via email to JoAnne Growney, japoet@msn.com, by November 14, 2008. Each poem should involve mathematics in its structure or imagery­it might have, for example, a triangular shape or mention love¹s division or love¹s geometry. The theme, ³Mathematics and Love², includes love¹s various categories: not only romantic love but also love of family, love of nature, spiritual love and­not to be forgotten­love of mathematics. Participating poets include Sarah Glaz, University of Connecticut (moderator); JoAnne S. Growney; Karren LaLonde Alenier, Bethesda, MD; Marion Deutsche Cohen, Arcadia University; Emily Grosholz, Pennsylvania State University; Bob Grumman, Port Charlotte, FL; Israel Lewis, Silver Spring, MD; Kaz Maslanka, D3 Industries; Wilmer Mills, University of North Carolina; Wendy Mnookin, Newton, MA; Deanna Nikaido, Baltimore, MD; Elizabeth Anne Socolow, Evergreen Forum; and Ellen Wehle, West Chester University. Sponsored by SIGMAA on Mathematics and the Arts.

Technology in Statistics Education
Organized by Patricia B. Humphrey, Georgia Southern University; Chris J. Lacke, Rowan University; and Michael A. Posner, Villanova University
Thursday, January 8, 9:00 a.m.-10:20 a.m.
Since the late 1980s the birth and enhancement of technological tools for teaching and performing statistical analyses has substantially changed the way introductory data analysis courses are taught. Instead of concentrating on formulas, making graphs by hand, and using tables to obtain results, many teachers of statistics let the technology do the number crunching and spend more time on analyzing the results. A ³not-so-random²survey of statisticians and teachers of statistics makes it clear that different people use different forms of technology, whether by choice or institutional mandate. In this panel session, the members seek to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of different types of technology. The various technologies will be grouped as follows: (1) graphing calculators, (2) spreadsheets, (3) Fathom, and (4) packages with user-friendly GUI¹s (e.g., JMP, Minitab, SPSS). Panelists include Patricia B. Humphrey; John D. McKenzie, Babson College; Paul L. Myers, Woodward Academy; Chris J. Lacke; and Michael A. Posner (moderator). Sponsored by SIGMAA on Statistics Education.

Beyond T.A. Training: Calculus Curriculum Development by Graduate Teaching Assistants
Organized by Timothy Lucas, Pepperdine University, and Joseph A. Spivey, Wofford College
Thursday, January 8, 1:00 p.m.­2:20 p.m.
Although graduate students teach the majority of calculus sections at Duke, there is no formal framework for graduate student input in the calculus program. To that end, in the spring of 2007 a group of graduate students formed a committee to review the calculus curriculum. In response to placement issues the committee created a Calculus II course for undergraduates with AP credit, designed to encourage students to pursue mathematics. It is currently taught and maintained by graduate students. In addition two committee members created a dynamic, indexed electronic database to assist in the sharing of handouts and exams among teachers. Jack Bookman will discuss the teacher training program that he leads and his interactions with the graduate student projects. Three committee members will talk about the organization process, the curriculum review, developing a calculus course that emphasizes both theory and applications, and the politics involved in lobbying for a new course. Panelists include Jack Bookman, Duke University; Paul L. Bendich, Pennsylvania State University; Abraham D. Smith, Duke University; Rann Bar-On, Duke University; and Timothy Lucas. The session will be moderated by Joseph A. Spivey.

Mathematicians and Public Policy
Organized by Philippe M. Tondeur, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Thursday, January 8, 2:30 p.m.-3:50 p.m.
Panelists will include members of Congress and/or their staff and mathematicians who have worked in the public policy arena. The panel will discuss how mathematicians can serve to influence public policy on issues affecting the funding for research and education and other policy matters and how to learn about these issues.