MATHEMATICS/

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

NEWSLETTER

Kenneth Hufham

Department Chair

Website:

cfcc.edu/programs/math

Spring 2013

Beginning in Fall 2013, our developmental math program will go through a major

overhaul. As mandated by the System Office, developmental math has been broken up

into eight modules agreed upon and approved by the state.

1. What are the changes?

Currently our developmental math classes (MAT 060, MAT 070, and MAT 080) are

“shell” courses which consist of DMA (Developmental Math) modules as given:

MAT 060 currently consists of DMA 010, 020, and 030.

MAT 070 currently consists of DMA 040 and 050.

MAT 080 currently consists of DMA 060, 070, and 080

Starting Fall 2013, MAT 060, MAT 070, and MAT 080 will be replaced with four (4)

Developmental Math Shell (DMS) courses: DMS 001, DMS 002, DMS 003, and DMS 004.

The DMS courses are going to house the four-week DMA modules, just like our current

developmental classes do above, except students will take the DMAs based on their

program of study and may place out of already mastered DMA modules using the new

diagnostic test.

2. What does this mean to advisors and students?

If the student needs ONLY one DMA module, then the student signs up for DMS

001—1 credit hour course

If the student needs EXACTLY two DMA modules, then the student signs up for

DMS 002—2 credit hour course

If the student needs EXACTLY three DMA modules, then the student signs up for

DMS 003—3 credit hour course

If the student needs four or more DMA modules, then the student signs up for DMA

004—4 credit hour course

Please note that failure to register for the correct credit hour DMS course may result in

a loss or reduction of financial aid. Veterans receiving benefits must register for

developmental math with a counselor or the veteran’s coordinator, Bob Philpott in room

S-400. 910-362-7106 rjphilpott@mail.cfcc.edu

Fa l l 2013 Deve lo pm en t a l M a t h Re des ig n

In this issue:

Developmental Math

Redesign

Early Registration

and Advising

New Internet Clas-

ses

New Instructors

Instructor Valerie

Melvin attends con-

ference in S. Korea

Math Club News

Instructors attend

NCTM

What’s New in

Physical Education

Math Careers

Found on facebook

MATHEMATICS/

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

NEWSLETTER

Early Registration and Advising

Registration is taking place now and through the summer. Here are some advising

tips that may help you as you carefully map out course selections:

If you are required to take one or more pre-curriculum modules of mathemat-

ics, don’t wait. Sign up for the appropriate DMS shell as soon as possible.

Many students need several modules to complete their math sequence.

Most of our math classes require the use of a calculator. A TI-83/84 is re-

quired for the majority of the college transfer classes (MAT 140 and above) while an inexpensive

scientific calculator can be used for the developmental/technical courses. The cost of the TI-83/84

calculator is about $95.

Most math classes are taught using MyMathLab (MML). MML is an interactive website where you

can view digital lectures, do homework or quizzes assigned by your instructor, self-test and work

through practice exercises with step-by-step help, and access an online/telephone tutoring service.

Your new textbook will be bundled with an access code if purchased through the CFCC

bookstore. If you purchased a used book, you will need to purchase the access code separately. It

is available at the CFCC bookstore or can be purchased online during the registration process us-

ing a major credit card. Cost is about $75.

CFCC has a Learning Lab in the LRC where you will find the math tutoring in room L-219. These

resources are free to CFCC students.

New Internet Classes

MAT 141 Mathematical Concepts I, MAT 142 Mathematical Concepts II, and

MAT 115 Mathematical Models are now being offered as full distance learning in-

ternet classes.

Sign up for: MAT 141 I1, MAT 142 I1, or MAT 115 I1

There is also one Physical Education internet class.

Sign up for PED 110 (sections I1 through I8). The requirement for this

class is that you have an active gym membership.

MATHEMATICS/

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

NEWSLETTER

Mathematics/Physical Education Welcomes Four New Instructors 2012-2013

Brandy Jones, Mathematics: Brandy Jones, an adjunct instructor for the past 8 years, is

very happy to now be on our full-time staff. Brandy has a B.S. in Mathematics from

UNCW where she graduated with honors. One of her projects while at UNCW was

the creation of an online math version of the game Cranium. This summer she finished

her studies at UNCW receiving a M.S. degree in Mathematics. While at UNCW, Brandy

also minored in Theatre and has had an avid interest in acting and the arts since the early

90’s. Through the years she has been involved in many theatre productions and movies.

Brandy is mom to 16-year-old Ryan and 11- year-old Hannah,.

Sandi Keith, Physical Education: Sandi Keith grew up in Ardmore, Oklahoma

where she played tennis and basketball, and was all state in both sports. She then

went to Oklahoma City and East Central University in Oklahoma, where she played

tennis and basketball.. After college graduation she attended Lamar University in

Beaumont TX, receiving a Master’s Degree in Kinesiology. She then traveled to

Dana College where she was a head women’s basketball coach at age 24 and a

Health and PE instructor. After that she ended up at UNCP as the assistant wom-

en’s basketball coach and head tennis coach and instructor of health and PE. Sandi

runs triathlons and competes in tennis. She was asked to represent NC in the

Southern Cup that was played in Alabama, an invitation only tournament. Her hus-

band is Dr. Lon Keith, a dentist in Wilmington. Sandi says she is a firm believer that your attitude can bring you

anything you want in life!

Erica Reynolds, Mathematics: Erica Reynolds is a graduate of Florida Gulf

Coast University with a BA in Mathematics and a Master’s Degree in Curricu-

lum and Instruction with a concentration in Mathematics. Erica started her

teaching career as a high school math teacher at Estero High School in Estero,

FL where she became the Estero High Teacher of the Year. She then went on

to teach at Ponte Vedra High School in Ponte Vedra, FL. Upon moving to Jack-

sonville, NC she taught at White Oak High School. Erica came to teaching a bit

later in her career, starting out as a general manager, training coordinator, and

administrative assistant for Boston Market in Boca Raton, FL. Outside of her teaching career here at CFCC, Erica

is mom to 16-year-old Sydney and 14-year-old Kayla, and is an avid bicyclist, participating in national bicycle races.

Susan Zenner, Mathematics: Susan Zenner was raised in Austin, TX. She

received her undergraduate degree from the University of Texas (magna cum

laude) and her graduate degree from East Carolina University. She taught sec-

ondary mathematics for public high schools for the last 10 years, and worked part

time at CFCC for several years before being hired full time. Susan is engaged to

be married and is busy planning her wedding to Elton Holleman in August. She is

mom to 14-year-old Bethany and will soon be stepmom to 11-year-old Anna.

MATHEMATICS/

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

NEWSLETTER

CFCC Mathematics Instructor Valerie Melvin Attends

The 12th International Congress of Mathematics Education in Seoul, South Korea

By Valerie Melvin

During the past summer, due to a grant from the Na-

tional Council of Teachers of Mathematics, I had the

great privilege to attend the 12th International Con-

gress of Mathematical Education. This international

congress, held every 4 years, was in Seoul, South Ko-

rea, July 8th—15th, 2012 at the Coex Convention and

Exhibition Center. This four story convention center

contained a mall, three hotels, an airport terminal, an

aquarium, a theater, a casino, and more than fifty

meeting rooms.

The Congress hosted a Mathematics Carnival; and, more than 1000 local students ranging in age from 6

to 16 explored the displays. The congress has also been held in France, England, Germany, USA, Aus-

tralia, Hungary, Canada, Spain, Japan, Denmark, and Mexico. The next congress will be held in Ham-

burg, Germany July 24—31, 2016.

The opening and closing ceremonies were spectacu-

lar; every day began with plenary sessions covering

topics as vast as comparisons of Western and Asian

pedagogy to the butterfly effect. My grant responsi-

bilities included participating in the topic study group

entitled “Analysis of uses of technology in the teach-

ing of mathematics”. Many of my international col-

leagues were impressed with GeoGebra, a free inter-

active algebra, geometry, and calculus software pro-

gram. The obvious observation was that the US has

access to and uses more technology in education than

most countries. The not so obvious is that technology

does not translate to accelerated understanding or

success.

MATHEMATICS/

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

NEWSLETTER

According to the Trends in International Mathematics

and Science Study (TIMSS), a 2011 eighth grade com-

parison of mathematic achievement of fifty-six educa-

tional systems, the United States ranked in the top

twenty-four. Eleven systems had higher averages than

the US, twelve were not measurably different. Some

countries included in the top eleven were Korea, Singa-

pore, Chinese Taipei-CHN, Hong Kong-CHN, Japan,

the Russian Federation, and Quebec. Korea, ranking

number one, is just now beginning to incorporate tech-

nologies such as graphic calculators and computers in mathematics instruction.

So how are the Asian countries outscoring the west-

ern countries in TIMSS? Some would suggest that

western countries have concentrated on the individu-

al to a fault. I contend the Asian culture is to revere

education and educators; the western culture is more

apt to take educational opportunities for granted.

We have a saying in our western culture, “those who

can, do, those who can’t, teach”. There is much less

respect for educators in western cultures. In Asian

cultures, if a student performs poorly in class, the

parents personally apologize to the teacher for their child’s meager performance. Western cultures

need a societal shift in thinking with regard to education; we could use some of the Asian admiration.

The ICME-12 experience was amazing. In addition to the congress sessions, each attendee was treated

to an excursion. We chose from fifteen different guided tours. I visited the Presidential Blue House,

the Royal Guard changing ceremony at Kyungbok Palace, the National Folk Museum, and Insadong and

the Namdaemun Market. I also visited the demilitarized

zone. (pictured at right)

I would recommend that every mathematics educator

take in an international congress; and go early in your

career. I have changed the way I teach due to this expe-

rience. Global awareness is now sprinkled throughout

my lectures. Now that I have expanded my world, I want

my students to also have that experience. It is more im-

portant than ever that we nurture global citizenship.

MATHEMATICS/

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

NEWSLETTER

CFCC Math Club News

Officers: President: Juan Guavera (middle)

Vice President: Nicole Nason (left)

Secretary: Emily Reynolds (right)

Treasurer: Steve Hammer

The CFCC Math Club has been very active this year. We meet every week. In the fall it was

every Tuesday and this spring it is every Wednesday. We use this time to prepare for compe-

titions, organize community service projects, or just have some nerdy fun with math games or

movies.

In the fall we participated in Fall Fest and raised club funds to sponsor a math movie night ca-

tered by the CFCC Culinary department. We also participated in the AMATYC Student Math

League Exam. Our treasurer, Steve Hammer, placed second and won $75. Together with the

Math Department, we raised over $700 for CFCC Foundation’s Holiday Helpers project. The

money raised was given to CFCC students in need to provide for holiday shopping and meals.

We helped Cape Fear River Watch with a Saturday cleanup in October. The Math Club also

volunteered at the Good Shepherd Ministries in November making dinner for local homeless

individuals. One of our members even supplied beautiful piano music for added atmosphere.

We have had a great spring as well. We participated in the Cape Fear Museum’s Pi

Day on March 14 (3.14). Pi Day is an opportunity for local school kids to come out

and participate in math games and exploration. Looking ahead, we are hoping to

have the opportunity to cook again at Good Shepherd and do more road side clean up. The

Math Club had a booth at the Spring Fling festival and participated in a calculus competition in

Gainesville, Ga. Instructors James Walters and Laura Taylor chaperoned 7 mathletes to rep-

resent CFCC. We also took part in the spring round of the Student Math League Exam.

The Math Club is a wonderful opportunity for students to expand on

their mathematics understanding in a supportive and relaxed atmos-

phere.

Our goal is to save the world one equation at a time!

MATHEMATICS/

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

NEWSLETTER

CFCC Mathematics Instructors attend NCTM in Philadelphia

In April 2012, Caroline Greenough (left) and Shannon

Gunter (right) attended the NCTM (National Council of

Teachers of Mathematics) conference in Philadelphia.

This conference consisted of over 300 workshops and is

open to mathematics teachers and instructors of a range

from pre-kindergarten through college. This conference

attracts participants from the nation and the world, and

has many presentations that are on the cutting edge of

mathematics instruction and technology.

Ms. Gunter and Ms. Greenough learned a lot of new information that will benefit their MAT 141 and

MAT 142 classes. They also learned much on how to teach probability and statistics to these classes.

There were also sessions on the Common Core state standards and Financial Algebra geared to pro-

spective teachers of grades 9 through 12. An interesting workshop that Ms. Gunter attended was enti-

tled “Using Music Videos in the Key of Mathematics” which highlighted math in music, and music creat-

ed based on transformations. Caroline and Shannon really enjoyed this conference and even attended a

Phillies game!

What’s New in Physical Education

Each Spring for the past eight years the Physical Education Instructors have offered a backpacking class

for the students at CFCC. There is usually a trip taken during the semester, after all of the course

work has been completed. PE has been to Mount Rogers (the highest

peak in Virginia) and observed the wild ponies and the beauty of the

Appalachian highlands. Lately they have been working on sections of

the Mountains to the Sea trail. They are planning on going to Linville

Gorge this year. It is the third largest wilderness area in North Caroli-

na. They study the principles of Leave No Trace in order to promote

conservation of the outdoors.

Backpacking at Mount Rogers,

Doc Wilson and David Kreutzer are forming a CFCC Aikido club for stu-

dents, faculty, and staff. Aikido is a martial art that promotes peace and har-

mony. It uses the opponents’ energy to avoid or diffuse an attack. UNCW

has a club such as this, and it would be a nice way for students who start here

to continue their study when they transfer.

MATHEMATICS/

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

NEWSLETTER

10 Fastest-Growing Careers for Math Majors

Actuary

Cryptographer

Economist

Financial Analyst

Mathematician

Operations Research Analyst

Personal Financial Advisor

Statistician

Teacher K-12

Teacher in Post-secondary School

Found on facebook

Quick! Do the following problem. Do not use

paper. Do not use a calculator.

You have 1000,

Add 40,

Add 1000,

Add 30,

Add 1000 again,

Add 20,

Add 1000 again

And finally add 10

What is your result? Now let someone write

it down and find the correct answer!

Found on facebook

There seems to be quite an obsession with the mys-

teries of math and how what seems to be true and

correct, actually is not. Many problems are circulat-

ing on facebook which require the use of correct

order of operations. This seems to mystify many

people who insist on getting the answer the way

they would have done so in second grade!

Here are some examples:

1. What is 6/2(2 + 1) ? Of course the answer is 9,

but so many commenters on facebook insist

that the answer is 1!

2. What is 12—1 x 0 + 4 / 2 ?

(Using Order of Operations, the correct answer is either 2, 4, or

14))

3. What is 4 x 4 + 4 x 4 + 4-4 x 4 ?

(Using Order of Operations, the correct answer is either 32, 20, or

320)

4. And then the geometric:

How many triangles are in this picture? (Be sure to

look at the whole rectangular picture!)

(The answer is either 13, 11, or 15)

All of these problems have been found on facebook.

Our CFCC math students know the answer!

Answers: 2. 14 3. 20 4. 15

Math/PE Newsletter Editor: Valerie Hawes Maley S-602D ext 7306