Mentoring and Training Novice Math Circle Leaders

作为加强非正式环境学习总体战略的一部分，推进非正式STEM学习（AISL）项目为各种环境中使用的创新资源提供资金。全国数学圈协会（NAMC）将于2016年底召开数学圈导师与伙伴关系（MC-MAP）研讨会。提议的MC-MAP研讨会将建立对培训内容和机制的理解，以增强数学圈参与者的知识和技能发展。工作坊将邀请有经验的数学圈领袖与新手数学圈领袖一起，培养通知领袖及其团队的专业知识，以促进数学圈活动和组织相关活动。大约180个数学圈目前在全国范围内运作，招募数学专业人士与K-12学生，教师和公众分享他们对数学的热情，强调探索，解决问题和发现。最初的会议和由会议提供的数学圈培训将有助于建立一个围绕数学圈的实践社区，通过这个社区，新手和现有的领导者可以相互联系，鼓励和启发。MC-MAP研讨会将包括结构化的计划以及指导观察和数学圈演示会议的结构化汇报。工作坊的设计将以有效的成人学习和以发现为基础的数学研究为基础。该讲习班将作为一个培训原型，帮助全国数学圈协会为有经验和新手的数学圈领导者确定有效的培训形式和材料。数学圈领导人的会前和会后调查将产生数据，用于规划和设计未来的培训。NAMC不仅将与其成员分享研讨会评估的主要发现和研讨会资源，还将与其他K-12数学外展项目分享。研讨会材料将涉及招募和服务数学圈的不同参与者，包括女孩和妇女、残疾人、来自不同社会经济背景的学生和STEM中代表性不足的少数民族。

As part of its overall strategy to enhance learning in informal environments, the Advancing Informal STEM Learning (AISL) program funds innovative resources for use in a variety of settings. The National Association of Math Circles (NAMC) will convene the Math Circle-Mentor and Partnership (MC-MAP) Workshop in late 2016. The proposed MC-MAP workshop will build the field's understanding of the training content and mechanisms that enhance the knowledge and skill development of participants in Math Circles. The workshop will bring mentors from experienced Math Circle leaders together with novice Math Circle leaders to develop the expertise of the notice leaders and their group to develop their expertise in facilitating math circle activities and in organizing related events. The approximately 180 Math Circles currently operating across the nation enlist mathematics professionals to share their passion for mathematics with K-12 students, teachers, and the general public in contexts that emphasize exploration, problem solving and discovery. This initial conference and Math Circle trainings informed by this conference will help build a community of practice around Math Circles through which novice and existing leaders are connected, encouraged and inspired.The MC-MAP workshop will include structured planning as well as guided observation and structured debriefing of a demonstration Math Circle sessions. The workshop design will be grounded in research related to effective adult learning and to discovery-based mathematics. The workshop will serve as a training prototype that will assist the National Association of Math Circles to identify effective training formats and materials for both experienced and novice Math Circle leaders. Pre- and post- conference surveys of Math Circle leaders will produce data to be used in planning and designing future trainings. The NAMC will share key findings from the workshop evaluation and workshop resources not only with its membership, but also with other mathematics K-12 outreach programs. Workshop materials will address recruiting and serving diverse participants in Math Circles, including girls and women, persons with disabilities, students from varied socioeconomic backgrounds and underrepresented minorities in STEM.