Using the Web to Increase Interest in Math Opportunities

Math, Math, and More Math...

The study of mathematics is a subject, about which I am passionate, that I desire to share with any student that I encounter.  Although I recognize that many of the branches of mathematics can be challenging, learning the content is empowering.  There are a significant number of careers and jobs, in various industries, that rely on mathematics and skills related to problem solving, number crunching, etc. Mathematics relies on logic and pattern development, which enables students to build skill sets that can be applied to real world phenomena.  In the era of the Read/Write Web, a number of Web-based resources can be used to encourage secondary students to participate in mathematics related activities, which could spark an interest.
Noted below are a couple of Web-based activities that educators can try or in which students can participate to stimulate interest in mathematics. 

--Virtual math clubs.  These math clubs can be linked to the school or classroom Web sites and or set up via various social media network sites.  Typically online or virtual math clubs are constructed at the post-secondary or collegiate level; however, students on the secondary level can take advantage of what they may offer.

--Virtual STEM events. Students who are not able to participate in events outside of the school, may appreciate participating in real-time events, such as guest speakers, via sites such as Google+ Hangouts.  

Seeing is believing.  Robert Goddard Montessori School in Greenbelt, Maryland just hosted a Virtual Stem Fair to showcase STEM projects completed by their students. Students from all grade levels participated in the event. Although it is not mathematics specific, and applies to STEM, which is mathematics inclusive, this is an event that can engage all students.    Please visit http://www1.pgcps.org/communications/press.aspx?id=171984 for additional information.

There are opportunities to expose our students and increase the potential to produce more mathematicians.

Blogging and Career Options

I have certainly enjoyed this past week of blogging activity.  I wanted to post something a little more in line with the course requirements and discuss blogging, in general.  I am huge advocate of encouraging mathematics students to begin early in their academic pursuits to begin preparing themselves for a multitude of career options.  Blogging offers an opportunity for students to engage  in self-expression and learn more from their peers to help with decision-making processes.  Although, I teach on a post-secondary level, most of my students are recent high school graduates.  Therefore, I have an opportunity to shape them, as I would my secondary students.  For the next two weeks, I have tasked my students with researching blog sites, selecting at least two sites, relevant to their career options and mathematics, and providing feedback based on their experiences.  Many will become regular bloggers, some will have a hard time connecting, and a few may just be bored by the assignment.  However, the purpose is to jumpstart the process of looking at career options.  College is a lot different for our current students than it was when I initially matriculated.  The market is a lot less forgiving. As we progress more towards a global market, blogging will give students an opportunity to establish a network, connect, share free throughts, etc.

I will keep you posted on the assignment.

Preparing Students to Pursue Careers in Mathematics

The push to produce mathematicians, engineers, statisticians, and technology professionals is what drives school districts to implement STEM education curricula in all grade levels and multiple branches of mathematics. To prepare secondary students for an array of careers that involve mathematics directly or indirectly, school districts must continue to promote an awareness and generate interest.  Math Education must first be delivered to engage and introduce students to concepts that can be applied to real world occurences. Students are likely to pursue careers that are stimulating and applicable; and also deliver rewarding results. The technology implosion invites our students to discover and embrace careers that support technology and tech advancement.

Math subjects are found in multiple careers that support technological advancement. A strong and solid grasp of a variety of math concepts can lay a strong foundation for students who seem careers in STEM related areas.