FSU Math Faculty Present at State Conference

Fairmont State University Math Department faculty members, along with four FSU pre-service mathematics teachers, attended the West Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics Annual Conference on March 11-12 at Stonewall Jackson Resort. The two-day conference focuses on learning from other mathematics teachers in West Virginia about ways to improve mathematics instruction.

The four pre-service mathematics teachers in attendance were Trevor Fancher, Kaleb Leatherman, Hannah Ludwick and Jamie Knight.

The three FSU math faculty members in attendance presented at the conference. Dr. Brian Blackwood’s presentation was titled “Mathematics and Financial Literacy.” Stephanie Jones co-presented with Dr. Matthew Campbell a session about “Looking for and Making Use of Structure with ‘Contemplate Then Calculate.’ ” Dennine LaRue presented “Growing with Quadratic Equations, Functions and Graphs.” LaRue serves as the WVCTM College Vice President and facilitated a session for Higher Education Math Faculty to discuss current issues in West Virginia mathematics, such as the Higher Education Policy Commission Series 21-Freshman Assessment and Placement Standards. The group discussed the implementation in West Virginia higher education institutions.

The keynote speaker was Dan Meyer, Chief Academic Officer of Desmos, a free online graphing utility. His presentation was titled “Beyond Relevance & Real World: Stronger Strategies for Student Engagement.” He explores the future of math textbooks and speaks internationally. Meyer was named one of Tech & Learning’s 30 Leaders of the Future.

For more information about Mathematics degrees offered by FSU, visit http://www.fairmontstate.edu/collegeofscitech/academics/math-program.

College of Science and TechnologyMathBrian BlackwoodDennine LarueMatthew CampbellStephanie Jones