FIELDS MATHED FORUM MEETING AGENDA
Theme: Innovative Mathematics Teaching at Ontario Colleges

October 26, 2013, 10AM - 2PM
Humber College, North Campus, Governor's boardroom (B101)

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Address:
North Campus, 205 Humber College Blvd, Toronto, M9W 5L7
There is free Saturday Parking at the North Campus!
We are meeting in B101, building B: Please use Lot 13, LOT 14, or LOT 9.
See the map of the North Campus at: http://www.humber.ca/campus-map/north
To use public transit to the North Campus, see:
http://www.humber.ca/content/getting-humber-transit-routes-maps

PROGRAM
10:00 - 10:10am Reports: OAME, OMCA, OCMA, CMESG, CMS, and other.

Welcome from Paula Gouveia, Dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Humber College

10:10 - 10:45 am Rebecca Milburn (Associate Dean, Mathematics and Preparatory Programs, Humber College):
Supporting Math in the Post-secondary

Abstract: Humber has embarked on an ambitious plan to support math success in the college system. From a mobile math help centre to a faculty lead Community of Practice to a "Head Start Math" program for all new students. These initiatives and the impact on students and faculty will be presented.

Biography: Dr. Milburn received her Ph.D. in chemistry from York University and her M.A in Education from Central Michigan University. Currently, she is the Associate Dean for Preparatory Programs and Mathematics. She has over 40 conference and invited presentations, and scientific publications, including numerous collaborations with student co-authors. She is also a member of an inter-disciplinary team investigating factors contributing to student success in mathematics in the post-secondary environment. Her research has received funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) Institutional Grant, as well as the Humber Research Fund.

10:45 - 11:15 am Anand Karat (Vretta):
10,000 Hours of Mathematics

Abstract: In his book Outliers, Malcom Gladwell describes how people achieve mastery in any task by practicing it for 10,000 hours. Through this discussion on '10,000 hours of Mathematics', we will examine best practices that are being followed by professors to motivate students to make math a part of their daily lives to attain mastery.

Biography: Over the past 7 years, Anand Karat has worked with various post-secondary academic institutions to identify key factors that lead to students dropping out of their 1st year quantitative courses such as mathematics, statistics, and accounting. He partnered with colleges to design and develop various pedagogies and learning methods that help students identify their strengths and improve their areas of weaknesses through the use of highly innovative cloud learning technologies.
Today, Anand runs a successful educational technology organization called Vretta that is positively transforming the learning experience for thousands of students through a unique mastery and adaptive based approach of experiencing mathematics.
Anand holds a Bachelor of Engineering from Bangalore University and an MBA from Queen's University.

11:15 am - 12:15 pm Karen Lawrence (Mohawk College):
Statistical savvy students…who are they?

Abstract: From differentiating the varied use of statistical terms in ordinary English conversation to the development and use of formal logical thinking abilities, students in all disciplines benefit from having a working knowledge of statistics. The "techie" students just want to cook statistics with formulas...health science and other research based subject students just want to memorize terminology and concepts. It's the combination and resulting interplay of both that give the total package...a savvy student who will head into the workforce as a savvy consumer of statistics.

Biography: Karen holds a Master's in Applied Statistics and spent a decade travelling the world working and teaching for international organizations such as DuPont, Apple Computer, Massey University (New Zealand) and Amadeus Global Distribution Systems (France). Karen has spent the last decade teaching at Mohawk College and McMaster University promoting the on-going reforms in statistics education.

12:15 - 1:00 pm LUNCH BREAK
(Light refreshments provided)

1:00 - 2:00 pm Cameron Redsell-Montgomerie (Humber College):
The Calculator - The future of Calculators in the Classroom

Abstract: Calculation is a ubiquitous part of mathematics classes, whether it is the students doing the calculation by hand or a device doing the calculation for the student. Thanks to a number of recent technological developments students now have more powerful calculators available to them, both in the classroom and in everyday life. For this presentation we will look at some of these options, from advanced pocket calculators, to mobile apps and websites. The focus will be on applications that are free (or very low cost) and available to all students, and faculty, with an Internet connection. There will also be an in depth look at Wolfram Alpha, a web based information and calculation database. Bring your laptops and mobile devices to try the software.

Biography: Cameron Redsell-Montgomerie is the coordinator for the Math Centre at Humber College. He also teaches various courses, ranging from Nursing Statistics to the Mathematics of Finance. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics and a Master's degree of Statistics from the University of Guelph. Cameron's love of mathematics and statistics is always evident. He believes that technology is a tool, not a crutch, for students and advocates its appropriate use. Cameron's enthusiasm motivates students from all disciplines, and with all abilities, to engage in the material they are learning.

2:00 Adjournment

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