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Other Mathematical Sessions

Please note: all sessions are listed in Mountain Daylight Time (MDT = UTC-6:00)

Alder Award Session

Saturday, August 7, 1:00 p.m. - 2:20 p.m.

Description

The MAA established the Henry L. Alder Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Beginning College or University Mathematics Faculty Member to honor beginning college or university faculty members whose teaching has been extraordinarily successful and whose effectiveness in teaching undergraduate mathematics is shown to have influence beyond their own classrooms. Each year, at most three college or university teachers are honored with this national award. The awardees are invited to make a presentation in this session. The session is moderated by MAA President Jenny Quinn.

Moderator:
Jenny Quinn, MAA President, University of Washington, Tacoma

Three Uncomfortable Truths

1:00 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.
Alexander Diaz-Lopez, Villanova University

Abstract

“Why do I teach mathematics?” The answer to this question led me to evaluate my teaching and to face three uncomfortable truths that we educators often avoid naming because... well, they are uncomfortable. Naming and addressing the issues that come from these have led me to become a better teacher and mentor. My goal for this talk is for all of us to reflect on how do we become a better version of ourselves.

Biography

Alexander Diaz-Lopez grew up in the small town of San Lorenzo in the archipelago Puerto Rico. While numbers and games always intrigued him, it wasn’t until college that Alexander started envisioning a career as a mathematics teacher and researcher. After completing the SMALL REU program and MSRI-UP, Alexander finished his bachelor’s degree in Mathematics at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez. Five years later he completed his PhD at the University of Notre Dame under the supervision of Matthew Dyer. His research is in the areas of combinatorics and Coxeter group theory.

After spending one year as a faculty at Swarthmore College, Alexander joined the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at Villanova University in 2017. Alexander has been involved in some national initiatives such as Lathisms and Math SWAGGER, and local ones such as Villanova’s DREAMS program and Co-MaStER program. Through it all his goal remains to create programs and spaces where all members are welcomed, heard, and supported, giving everyone an opportunity to thrive. Alexander loves spending time with his wife, nephews, and two dogs: Master Yoda and Kylo, and playing sports, board games, and video games.

Any Questions?

1:25 p.m. - 1:40 p.m.
Andrew Penland, Western Carolina University

Abstract

When we stop a class and ask for students’ questions, what do we expect? Why do we think it is important to have questions asked in class? How the skill of asking questions related to other mathematical skills? Where do we expect students to develop this skill?

Biography

Andrew Penland is an Associate Professor of Mathematics at Western Carolina University. His mathematical journey began in earnest as a nontraditional student at Haywood Community College, leading him to complete undergraduate and Master’s studies at Western Carolina University before earning his Ph. D. at Texas A & M University. He enjoys the work of creating experiences that make difficult mathematical ideas accessible to a broad audience, as well as any activity that leads to students taking ownership of their learning.

Seeking Wonder and Finding Adventure in Teaching and Learning Math

1:50 p.m. - 2:05 p.m.
Kim Seashore, San Francisco State University

Abstract

Most of us have been guided and inspired by teachers who have shared much more than mathematical knowledge with their students. In this talk, I will share principles and practical ideas gleaned from the teachers and students who have inspired my own experience of mathematics as a grand adventure, with beautiful vistas, intricate flowers and opportunities to develop strong relationships. I invite you to come along this journey and bring some of your favorite mathematical moments to share.

 

MAA Prize Sessions

This year the MAA Prize Winners will be celebrated over the course of MathFest. We invite everyone to join us and congratulate our prize winners from 2020 and 2021.

World Premiere of “MAA Summer 2021 Award Winners”

Wednesday, August 4, 12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m., MAA Pavilion, Virtual Exhibit Hall

Description

Join us in the Pavilion to watch the world premiere video celebrating the winners of MAA’s 2021 Summer Awards. MAA Awards highlight our values of community, inclusivity, communication, and teaching & learning. This is the first in a series of activities to celebrate and recognize the people that bring their wits, strength, and love to help the MAA community flourish.

ICYMI, the video will become available for viewing in the conference lobby, together with the video of the 2020 winners.

Host:
Jenny Quinn, MAA President, University of Washington, Tacoma

Celebrate with the MAA Writing Award Winners from 2020 and 2021

Friday, August 6, 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Description

Winners of Allendoerfer, Evans, Halmos-Ford, Hasse, Pólya, Solow, Beckenbach, Chauvenet, or Euler Awards, together with their friends and fans are invited to meet with winners and congratulate them on their achievements.

The second in a series of activities to celebrate and recognize the people that bring their wits, strength, and love to help the MAA community flourish.

Hosts:
Jenny Quinn, MAA President, University of Washington, Tacoma
Michael Dorff, MAA Past President, Brigham Young University

Celebrate with MAA Service Awards Winners from 2020 and 2021

Friday, August 6, 1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Description

Winners of an MAA Award for Inclusivity, Certificate of Merit, Certificate for Meritorious Service, or the Gung and Hu Award together with their friends and fans are invited to meet with winners and congratulate them on their achievements.

The third in a series of activities to celebrate and recognize the people that bring their wits, strength, and love to help the MAA community flourish.

Hosts:
Jenny Quinn, MAA President, University of Washington, Tacoma
Michael Dorff, MAA Past President, Brigham Young University

Celebrate with MAA Teaching and Research Award Winners from 2020 and 2021

Saturday, August 7, 12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Description

Winners of an Alder, Dolciani, Haimo, or Selden Awards, together with their friends and fans are invited to meet with winners and congratulate them on their achievements.

The fourth in a series of activities to celebrate and recognize the people that bring their wits, strength, and love to help the MAA community flourish.

Hosts:
Jenny Quinn, MAA President, University of Washington, Tacoma
Michael Dorff, MAA Past President, Brigham Young University

 

MAA Section Officers Meeting

Thursday, August 5, 8:00 a.m. - 9:50 a.m.

Description

Check MAA Connect for location - this meeting has moved outside of MAA MathFest 2021.

 

 

Building a Community of Practice in Scalable Corequisite Courses

Thursday, August 5, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Description

Join Dr. Jensen-Vallin and Hawkes Learning as they discuss how to design scalable corequisite courses to better prepare students for credit-bearing classes. Learn about the importance of building a community of practice, examining course placement processes and more.

Organizer
Jacqueline Jensen-Vallin, Lamar University

Sponsor: Hawkes Learning

 

World Premiere of “MAA Summer 2021 Award Winners”

Wednesday, August 4, 12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m., in the MAA Pavilion (Exhibit Hall)

Description

Join us in the Pavilion to watch the world premiere video celebrating the winners of MAA’s 2021 Summer Awards. MAA Awards highlight our values of community, inclusivity, communication, and teaching & learning. This is the first in a series of activities to celebrate and recognize the people that bring their wits, strength, and love to help the MAA community flourish.

Organizers/Panelists:
Jennifer Quinn, MAA President, University of Washigton - Tacoma
James Sellers, MAA Secretary, University of Minnesota - Duluth

 

The Future of the Undergraduate Textbook

Thursday, August 5, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., in the MAA Pavilion (Exhibit Hall)

Description

What is the future of the textbook? Are we moving to a world of online open-access to all knowledge? If so, who will provide the editorial and quality-control value currently provided by publishers? What new features and benefits will be available for textbooks freed from the constraints of static print? How do we smoothly make the transition from our current system?

Please join us for a MathFest discussion with textbook and technology experts sponsored by the MAA and the AMS moderated by MAA Press Acquisitions Editor Stephen Kennedy.

Organizers/Panelists:
Stephen Kennedy, Carleton College
Sergei Tabachnikov, Pennsylvania State University
Matt Boelkins, Grand Valley State University
Suzanne Larson, Loyola Marymount University
Gizem Karaali, Pomona College

 

Virtual Math Escape Room

Friday, August 6, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m., in the MAA Pavilion (Exhibit Hall)

Description

This social event has some of the feel of a virtual escape room in that you will work in teams to open locks, collect clues, and eventually escape a myriad list of problems that you could confront at a virtual conference. You will not actually be locked in a room, but rather, locked out of a fun math conference, MathPuzzleCon. Feel free to come with your own team of 3-4 people, or come alone and meet new people.

Organizers/Panelists:
Julie Barnes, Western Carolina University
Shih-Wei Chao, University of North Georgia
Rachel Epstein, Georgia College
Kerri Jamerson, Mars Hill University
Wei-Kei Lai, University of South Carolina at Salkehatchie
Allie Ray, Birmingham-Southern College
Laura Steil, Mars Hill University

 

The WeBWorK Project Open Office Hour

Wednesday, August 4, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., in the MAA Pavilion (Exhibit Hall)
Thursday, August 5, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., in the MAA Pavilion (Exhibit Hall)
Friday, August 6, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., in the MAA Pavilion (Exhibit Hall)

Description

Let's celebrate 25 years of WeBWorK! Now with over 50,000 questions in the Open Problem Library from basic algebra up through linear algebra and differential equations and also other STEM areas including physics, chemistry, and engineering. Visit our exhibit to demo new WeBWorK features, get your questions about WeBWorK answered, and learn how you can get involved.

Organizers/Panelists
Monica VanDieren, Robert Morris University, The WeBWorK Project
Robin Cruz, University of Idaho, The WeBWorK Project
Marianna Bonanome, City Tech CUNY, The WeBWorK Project
Tim Flowers, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, The WeBWorK Project

 

 

Year: 
2021