Discrete Mathematics Instruction in a Cooperative Problem- Solving Mode

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Colorado State University seeks funding for a three-year project: Discrete Mathematics Instruction in a Cooperative Problem Solving Mode. The idea for the development of the project is the recommendation that Discrete Mathematics become a part of the secondary school curriculum, as outlined in the Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics for the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. The PI proposes through this project to develop and implement a course sequence in discrete mathematics required of secondary mathematics preservice teachers. The course will be team-taught in a cooperative learning/problem solving mode by mathematics faculty members who will have received special instruction, and two graduate students who have extensive teaching experience as former high school teachers. The project will also emphasize writing in mathematics and model alternative instructional formats. The preservice students will take the course with a required lab in which: they will be studying about the teaching and learning of mathematics in these modes; they will be assistants in the teaching of a freshman course in discrete mathematics taught by the same faculty team; and cooperatively they will develop instructional modules to be use in the elementary course which can also be used in high school classes with minor modifications. Thus, the preservice teachers will gain knowledge and experience in discrete mathematics, in cooperative learning, in complex problem solving strategies, and in writing in the mathematics discipline both as teachers and learners. Inservice teachers will be invited to take the courses and to produce projects for their own classes. The training components for faculty will also be open to area teachers. The project is one which can be easily replicated and disseminated and has the potential to become a model for content and instruction not only for the preparation of teachers, but for the teaching of mathematics for all students at the collegiate level using alternative formats of instruction. Colorado State University is supporting the project by providing 40% of the total cost.