Visualization and Collaborative Learning in Math/Science Classrooms Delwyn L. Harnisch University of Nebraska, Lincoln Ronald J. Shope Grace University, Omaha Presentation URL: www.mste.uiuc.edu/courses/pt3fa00/harnisch/SITE2002/SITECollaborative.ppt

Issues in Math/Science Education Students seldom asked to master the “big concepts” Math methods remain virtually unchanged Need for a learner-centered environment

Learner-Centered Environment Focus on problem-solving Focus on discovery learning

Instructional and Motivational Factors Meaningful and Relevant Social Interactions And Personal Relationships Challenges and Standards Student Centered Learning Environment Critical Thinking and Learning Skills Adapt to Individual Differences Interests and Creativity Climate and Context Choice and Control

Solution: Problem-Based Learning Teachers become facilitators Uses data and technology resources Visual hands-on approach Enhanced by visualization

Visualization Uses technology to help students “visualize” math and science concepts Complements PBL by Relying on technology Is interactive Supports collaborative learning

Strategies for Creating Collaborative Learning Math/Science teaching teams Math/Science student cohorts

The Visualization Process Science Teacher Students in Math Class Visualization and PBL Math Teacher Students in Science Class Shared Learning/ Experience

Math/Science Teaching Teams One experienced teacher One young teacher One PBL Specialist Math and science teaching credentials Teachers visited each other’s classrooms Team planned PBL activities

Math/Science Student Cohorts Students selected to participate Together for both math and science Back to back instructional periods Variety of interests and learning styles Honor students “General” learners

Math/Science Teacher Collaboration Teachers learned from each other’s discipline “I had the opportunity to see how the other side lives” -Math/Science Teacher

Math/Science Teacher Collaboration Teachers together were able to provide better help to students Teachers “help each other” answer student’s questions

Math/Science Teacher Collaboration Platform to share experience across disciplines During this time I had great discussions with my colleagues in the program, researched visualization, and worked on a lot of ideas and gathered information to use with these ideas. I think we will be able to apply many of these ideas. -Math/Science Teacher

Math/Science Teacher Collaboration Facilitates faculty mentoring I began to think “More Visually” I had a better idea what my students were learning. -Math/Science Teachers

Math/Science Student Collaboration Student math/science “support group” Student mentoring by students Sometimes you have the teacher explain it and some kids do not understand what they mean by it. So, they ask something else and they explain it in easier terms. -Math/Science Student Since we had the same kids in both of the classes, it let us know what are the kids' strong points and weak points. -Math/Science Student

Development of Maturing Minds New teaching methods learned Curriculum development addressed New technology implemented New classroom environments structured

Visualization Project Website

Visualization and Collaborative Learning in Math/Science Classrooms Delwyn L. Harnisch University of Nebraska, Lincoln Ronald J. Shope Grace University, Omaha Presentation URL: www.mste.uiuc.edu/courses/pt3fa00/harnisch/SITE2002/SITECollaborative.ppt