Research Contributions
The research evolving from the center contributes to the field’s understanding of research-based evidence on effective mathematics professional development models to innovate the teaching of STEM-based mathematics content with diverse student populations to improve student learning. It leverages emerging cognitive technology and research on how students learn mathematics to promote mathematical proficiency.
The conceptual framework developed through this research identifies key factors that influence teachers’ effective use of technology, teaching, and questioning strategies that support student learning, representational fluency, and algebraic thinking that can be applied to teaching other mathematical concepts using technology.
The involvement of teachers as researchers and designers provides a strategic research infrastructure linking researchers, graduate and undergraduate students, practitioners, and mentoring research practitioners at multiple levels.
The research activities of the center will be communicated through publications in peer-reviewed journals, book chapters, and conference proceedings and via national and international presentations. In addition, center research will also focus on the development of educational modules and web-based curriculum materials.
The center will also host an annual research conference at GMU which will provide a medium for exchange of research between students and faculty and other renowned experts working on the broad theme
Broader Impact
Support from SCHEV: The two funded programs ACT NOW (2008-2009) and IMPACT (2009-2010) impact our Mathematics Educational Leadership program by providing tuition for a total of 150 Masters students and providing teaching/research experiences for our doctoral students.
Support from the newly funded VA-DOE Math Science Partnership: COMPLETE (2010-2012) supports 10 undergraduate scholars, 200 teachers who earn 3-6 graduate credits, and provides support for 3 graduate students (2 masters and 1 doctoral). The support from the MSP grants generates tuition funding for the Office of Educational Services and the University.
Impact on QEP for University – Dr. Seshaiyer currently serves on the advisory council for the Center for Teaching Excellence and also on the Quality Enhancement Planning University Committee. Together with Dr. Suh, we plan to create programs in the Center that align with the QEP initiatives in promoting a culture of scholarship. Specifically, the center helps support student scholarships through collaborations with the school district and faculty at GMU.
Impact for UAP programs and the Honors College – Dr. Seshaiyer currently serves on the Advisory Council of the Honors College and also mentors a student in the Undergraduate Apprenticeship Program. Together with Dr. Suh, we plan to create new undergraduate scholarships that will be administered jointly with the UAP and Honors College to promote research in the area of mathematics education. We are already in communication with Zofia Burr (Dean, Honors College), Kathy Alligood (Associate Dean, Honors College), and Deirdre Moloney (Director, UAP Program).
Collaboration
Outside George Mason:
The Center has an active math science partnership with six school districts: Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, Alexandria, Falls Church, and Manassas City.
Besides National Organizations such as the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) and the Association of Women in Mathematics (AWM) plan to work with our center to broaden their impact on teachers of mathematics: Monique Lynch, (NCTM); Director of Professional Development, and Patrick Vennebush, NCTM Illuminations Project Coordinator, and Suzanne Lenhart, Former President of Association of Women in Mathematics (AWM), agree to present seminars/workshops for teachers.
Inside George Mason:
The Center actively collaborates with the Do-IT, GMU-TV to create lesson modules and come up with new ways to support and promote the Distance Learning Program at GMU. The Center also promotes active faculty mentorship through student scholarships generated in conjunction with George Mason’s UAP program and QEP initiatives.
| http://eqstemm.org Advancing Equity and Strengthening Teaching with Elementary Mathematical Modeling is a teacher PD project focused on strengthening K-5 teaching with mathematics modeling. Building on previous foundational work around mathematics modeling and equity, this project will bring together equity oriented teaching practices and mathematical modeling to design and research the impact of a blended PD program on teacher practice. The project will include video-enhanced reflection and online mentoring in addition to face-to-face components of PD. | |
| https://www.mathstrength.org/ This exciting project partnership with George Mason University and the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is to offer strength-based formative assessment and bridging activities to support instruction for K-8 students. | |
| Learn about SPARK STEM: Sparking a Sense of Wonder in STEM http://sparkstem.onmason.com/ Learn about math modeling in the elementary grades http://completemath.onmason.com/math-modeling/ | |
| Learn about Bridging Tech-knowledgy in http://mathbridges.onmason.com | |
| http://completemath.onmason.com/family-of-problems | |
| MATH HAPPENINGS Learn about the Book http://modelmath.onmason.comLearn about Math Happeningshttp://mathhappenings.onmason.com |
