Taking
Calculus in the Fall of 2002?
If
you are an in-coming freshman enrolling in Calculus 1 in the fall of 2002,
this program may be for you:
NIU is offering a
Freshman Interest Group (FIG) entitled Women's Learning Communities. The
FIG consists of a 4-credit section of Calculus I together with special
problem-solving sessions and a section of UNIV 101, an orientation course.
The FIG will establish a community based on research about how women learn
mathematics best. In this inquiry approach, teachers guide students through
a process of discovering mathematical concepts for themselves so that
mathematics makes sense to them.
Students in this community
will practice solving problems relevant to their experiences. They will
talk about how they solve problems and get feedback from other students
as well as the teacher. Alternative forms of assessment, such as portfolios,
journals, and self-critiques, may be used as well. By learning mathematics
in this way, students will gain a conviction that they can and do understand
the subject! The UNIV 101 orientation course will focus on issues particularly
pertinent to women and function in part as a support group. This empowerment
will build confidence, and, we hope, students' success and desire to enroll
in other mathematics, technology, and science courses.
This innovative program
has already received local and national media attention. After a rigorous
selection process, the National Science Foundation selected the program
for special funding in 2001-2002. Be one of the first to benefit from
this exciting, innovative approach to mathematics for women!
Enrollment information
is listed below:
FIG 200: Women's Learning
Communities
MATH 229.11: Calculus
I (4.0)
Day/Time: MWThF 10:00-10:50
UNIV 101: Women's
Learning Communities (1.0)
Day/Time: W 3:00-4:20
This program is open
to students from all of NIU's undergraduate programs.
Prerequisite: Math placement level A.
If you are interested
in registering for this program, or have already registered but
wish to be placed in this FIG, please contact your academic advisor.
Space is available for Fall 2002.
Additional information is available from the project's co-directors,
Dr. Diana Steele, Department of Mathematical Sciences, and Dr. Amy
Levin, Women's Studies Program, as well as from the Liberal Arts
and Sciences advising office.
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