1,323 research outputs found
Logistics of Mathematical Modeling-Focused Projects
This article addresses the logistics of implementing projects in an
undergraduate mathematics class and is intended both for new instructors and
for instructors who have had negative experiences implementing projects in the
past. Project implementation is given for both lower and upper division
mathematics courses with an emphasis on mathematical modeling and data
collection. Projects provide tangible connections to course content which can
motivate students to learn at a deeper level. Logistical pitfalls and insights
are highlighted as well as descriptions of several key implementation
resources. Effective assessment tools, which allowed me to smoothly adjust to
student feedback, are demonstrated for a sample class. As I smoothed the
transition into each project and guided students through the use of the
technology, their negative feedback on projects decreased and more students
noted how the projects had enhanced their understanding of the course topics.
Best practices learned over the years are given along with project summaries
and sample topics. These projects were implemented at a small liberal arts
university, but advice is given to extend them to larger classes for broader
use.Comment: 27 pages, no figures, 1 tabl
Curriculum Guidelines for Undergraduate Programs in Data Science
The Park City Math Institute (PCMI) 2016 Summer Undergraduate Faculty Program
met for the purpose of composing guidelines for undergraduate programs in Data
Science. The group consisted of 25 undergraduate faculty from a variety of
institutions in the U.S., primarily from the disciplines of mathematics,
statistics and computer science. These guidelines are meant to provide some
structure for institutions planning for or revising a major in Data Science
A new introductory quantum mechanics curriculum
The Institute of Physics New Quantum Curriculum consists of freely available
online learning and teaching materials (quantumphysics.iop.org) for a first
course in university quantum mechanics starting from two-level systems. This
approach immediately immerses students in inherently quantum mechanical aspects
by focusing on experiments that have no classical explanation. It allows from
the start a discussion of interpretive aspects of quantum mechanics and quantum
information theory. This article gives an overview of the resources available
at the IOP website. The core text is presented as around 80 articles
co-authored by leading experts that are arranged in themes and can be used
flexibly to provide a range of alternative approaches. Many of the articles
include interactive simulations with accompanying activities and problem sets
that can be explored by students to enhance their understanding. Much of the
linear algebra needed for this approach is part of the resource. Solutions to
activities are available to instructors. The resources can be used in a variety
of ways from supplements to existing courses to a complete programme.Comment: 10 pages, 2 figures, 1 table; submitted to the European Journal of
Physic
A Project Based Approach to Statistics and Data Science
In an increasingly data-driven world, facility with statistics is more
important than ever for our students. At institutions without a statistician,
it often falls to the mathematics faculty to teach statistics courses. This
paper presents a model that a mathematician asked to teach statistics can
follow. This model entails connecting with faculty from numerous departments on
campus to develop a list of topics, building a repository of real-world
datasets from these faculty, and creating projects where students interface
with these datasets to write lab reports aimed at consumers of statistics in
other disciplines. The end result is students who are well prepared for
interdisciplinary research, who are accustomed to coping with the
idiosyncrasies of real data, and who have sharpened their technical writing and
speaking skills
Mathematics in Undergraduate Study Programs: Challenges for Research and for the Dialogue between Mathematics and Didactics of Mathematics
The topic of undergraduate mathematics is of considerable concern for mathematicians in universities, but also for those teaching mathematics as part of undergraduate studies other than mathematics, for employers seeking to employ a mathematically skilled workforce, and for teacher education. Different countries have made and continue to make massive efforts to improve the quality of mathematics education across all age ranges, with most of the research undertaken particularly at the school level. A growing number of mathematicians and mathematics educators now see the need for undertaking interdisciplinary research and collaborative reflections around issues at the tertiary level. The conference aimed to share research results and experiences as a background to establishing a scientific community of mathematicians and mathematics educators whose concern is the theoretical reflection, the research-based empirical investigation, and the exchange of best-practice examples of mathematics education at the tertiary level. The focus of the conference was mathematics education for mathematics, engineering and economy majors and for future mathematics teachers
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