The Teaching Seminar provides an opportunity for professional development focused on the best practices of teaching. It is our hope that all attendees will learn from the expertise of their colleagues and be in a state of continuous improvement in the classroom as an instructor. These talks will be especially helpful to those new to teaching, providing support and useful ideas for their classrooms. The Teaching Seminar meets once or twice a month at 4:00-5:00PM on Thursdays. If you have questions about the Teaching Seminar or are interested in giving a talk, please contact Matt Fahy.
The Department of Mathematics & Statistics takes pride in the overall quality of instruction and the amount of scholarly teaching that occurs. The department is engaged in a number of student-centered initiatives, which you can read about here.
Note that talks are listed in reverse chronological order.
Date: Thursday, April 25, 2024
Speakers: Lina Ellis and Emi Iwao (NAU)
Abstract: Two graduate students in our MS in Math Education program will be sharing research they have completed during the Teaching Seminar. This research was conducted through one of their mathematics education courses.
Date: Thursday, April 18, 2024
Speakers: Katie Louchart, Shannon Guerrero, Sujey Ramos, Aaron Cirzan, Jacob Jasperson (NAU)
Abstract: Gina, along with several other faculty from our department, has participated in a course offered by the Association of College and University Educators and will be sharing about the program as well as highlighting a few ideas and practices she has learned.
Date: Thursday, April 4, 2024
Speakers: Katie Louchart, Shannon Guerrero, Sujey Ramos, Aaron Cirzan, Jacob Jasperson (NAU)
Abstract: A team of folks will be leading a Teaching Seminar session regarding a joint project between our department and the Academic Success Centers supported by an Elevating Excellence grant to embed PMAs in several of our undergraduate MAT and STA courses. The team will discuss the ins and outs of the project, share data regarding the project so far, and discuss directions for the future. Data analysis for this project has been done by Robert Buscaglia and an undergraduate Data Science major Peter Eng.
Date: Thursday, March 28, 2024
Speaker: Dane Jacobson (Yuma Unified High School District)
Abstract: Dane will lead a discussion of generative AI in the context of mathematics education. Dane will demonstrate and discuss how AI tools can be (and are!) used by students to solve mathematics problems across a range of difficulties, content areas, and levels of abstraction. In light of the ubiquity of these tools, he will then discuss how we as teachers can reframe assignments and assessments and how we can model responsible use of these tools for students.
Dane is an alumnus of our department who currently teaches in the Yuma Unified High School District. He is a member of the YUHSD Educational Technology AI Team and leads professional development seminars regarding generative AI throughout his district. Starting next academic year, Dane will be working as a full member of the YUHSD Ed Tech staff, overseeing technology use and implementation for the over 11,000 students and 500 staff of the 7 YUHSD high schools.
Date: Thursay, March 7
Speakers: Katie Louchart and Shannon Guerrero (NAU)
Abstract: Are you teaching an online course this summer and want to know details about online test proctoring? Would you like to consider alternative assessments besides “traditional” paper-and-pencil tests (online or otherwise)? Come to this Teaching Seminar session to hear all about these assessment topics and more.
Date: Thursday, January 25, 2024
Speaker: Matt Fahy (NAU)
Abstract: I will lead a discussion of math placement’s past, present and future: a brief overview of the placement process, how it has changed in recent years, and modifications that might/should/could/better not be considered moving forward.