Problem Solving Through Discrete Mathematics

$442,946

Valparaiso University and the School City of East Chicago have formed a partnership in order to increase the content knowledge and improve the teaching methods of mathematics teachers of the School City of East Chicago.  The project is three years in duration and will provide high-quality, standards-based professional development and on-going support to two cohorts of 30 K-9 mathematics teachers.  Each cohort will participate in 20 training days that include two eight-day summer workshops, and four school-year follow-up sessions. A total of 60 teachers will be involved in the program.

April 2004 – March 2007

1. Increase content knowledge of participants,
2. Model sound pedagogy and teaching techniques that are especially useful in mathematics education,
3. Develop standard based lessons linked to the curriculum and focused on problem solving.

Valparaiso University - VU provides professional development along with the course materials. VU provides an on-site library, appropriate technology and resource material for use in the classroom.

School City of East Chicago - The SCEC recruits participants, provides release time to teachers, 
and collects and  analyzes data for the evaluation process.  SCEC is the fiscal agent for the grant.

Twenty-two teachers attended the first summer workshop and showed up for the first follow-up session. The teachers were very satisfied with the program at the end of the summer. During the fall follow-up session they reflected on the changes in their classroom practices, you can read some of the comments below.

During the summer workshop teachers developed standard based lesson plans. As part of the graduate course requirement teachers implemented discrete mathematics units in their classroom. Some of the participants have already shared their experience during the follow-up session Every presentation demonstrated successful classroom implementation of discrete math topics.

One teacher held a demonstration at his school about the workshop and as a result we already have 5 applications for next summer without any recruiting effort.

My students have really enjoyed these activities.  They have confidence in math that many didn't have before.  That confidence is spreading to their normal math activities.

I have changed how I teach and realize some students are better at problem solving than others; also there are more hands on activities you can do in the classroom.

I think I'm a better teacher as I challenge young children to take risks when it comes to being active problem solvers.

I try to incorporate things in my classroom from the class and it allows me to tie together more things in my curriculum.  It's also helped me to look at how my kids learn, especially when they are having difficulty with something; and allowing me to present it in a new way.

It has given me a push to make sure that I'm using:  1) discovery method; 2) problem solving.  It's made me a better informed teacher…

The concepts presented during the summer invited me to expand my knowledge base.  Most of what was presented was new to me.  I have used color mapping and circuits and paths with my students.  The use of literature and movement was intriguing for my students.  The vocabulary was a great initial presentation.

I am using many of the ideas we discussed this summer to supplement my teaching.  All students have different learning styles and Discrete Mathematics has allowed these strengths to shine through.  My students are taking more risks to volunteer answers or to be my "victims" for demonstrations.  Many teachers have seen the projects that I am doing and seem interested in the program.

Helps me to see working more in small groups and letting students figure out answers is a much better way to learn math.

My students really enjoy the discrete math lessons. I have used at least four different topics in my classroom.  My class thinks they are playing games instead of learning math.  I have been asked by my students if they could play more "games", of course they can, what they don't know won't hurt them.

Discrete math has become part of all subject areas during the week.  It can be used to connect a child's world to math-math becomes fun and the children are becoming more aware of how to solve everyday issues.  Shortest route to see my friend etc.