Leading Math Discussions in an Online Environment

1
Leading Math Discussions in an Online Environment

• AMATYC Fall Conference
• November 2, 2006
• George Alexander
• Madison Area Technical College (WI)
• galexander_at_matcmadison.edu

2
Online Participation Expectations

• Five 3-week intervals (worth 20 points each),
  specified in syllabus
• Online ? independent study
• Participation Attendance

3
Participation score

• (5 pts) Presence in the course website
• (5 pts) Presence in the discussion forums
• (15 pts) Visible Activity in the discussions
• Maximum of 20 points

4
Essay Questions

• Address math anxiety issues
• Build community
• Encourage participation

5
Example Question

• Write about a difficult, non-math task that you
  once took on and completed successfully. Describe
  what you did to overcome fears and/or obstacles
  to complete the task. How might this experience
  help you overcome math fears as well?

6
Question/Answer Forums

• Peer to peer experience
• Improves math skills
• Improves communication skills
• Builds confidence

7
Instructor Role

• Facilitate do not answer every question
  immediately
• Encourage and reward participation
• Give suggestions, advice, corrections
• Ask questions when students are not
• Expect clean language and well written comments

8
Leading Math Discussions in an Online Environment

• AMATYC Fall Conference
• November 2, 2006
• George Alexander
• Madison Area Technical College (WI)
• galexander_at_matcmadison.edu