Culture & Mathematics Learning in China
Course Description
Students will study mathematics learning in two cultures, China and the United States. Students will read about cultural effects on mathematical learning and teaching prior to traveling during the four pre-departure meetings. During the study abroad portion of the course the students will travel to observe the learning of Chinese education by observing, planning and teaching in a Chinese school. The two main foci of the course are Culture and Mathematics Learning.
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Culture: Learn about Chinese culture through historical, religious, governmental, and other heritage sites, language, business, and cuisine. Additional experiences of different cultures will include interaction of mutual reciprocity with local people, including professors, university students, teachers, and children. BGSU students will compare and contrast Chinese culture with their own culture, knowledge and experiences.
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Mathematical Learning: Learn about mathematics education in China. Study teaching methods and children’s learning to gain a greater perspective on the way history, values, government, communication, business, and beliefs relate to the learning and teaching of mathematics. BGSU students will visit and participate in educational activities with students and teachers in these other-cultural contexts.
Math Camp to Inspire Kids in Oklahoma City
Trip Details
Math Camp is a student-led organization that strives to instill a love of mathematics in students, while allowing pre-service teachers to take the lead in teaching. This is done by engaging students in a full day of problem solving, teamwork, and mathematical thinking through a camp-like atmosphere.
This May, 30 Math Camp volunteers are traveling to Oklahoma City in hopes of passing on our love of math to others. We will be holding a mathematics camp in Santa Fe South schools. We will also be training and working with other pre-service teachers from Oklahoma State University and The University of Oklahoma. Our hope is to show them how we plan and enact mathematics camps, so they can do their own in the future. We want mathematics camps to spread throughout the country and reach as many children as possible because we have seen, and research supports, the positive impact Math Camp has on students.
In Oklahoma City, BGSU students will also observe in teachers' classrooms and take part in three Public Demonstration Lessons. A Public Demonstration Lesson is when one teacher enacts a lesson while other professionals observe and make note of student engagement and thinking. After a Public Demonstration Lesson, a panel of experts serves to give thoughts about the lesson and revisions for improvement. BGSU students will have opportunities to interact with education experts, reflect, make connections, and share their thoughts and ideas about the lesson and school environment.
Click here to watch a video overview of the 2018 trip to Oklahoma City