MAA Session on Bridging the Gap: Designing an Introduction to Proofs Course Thursday January 16, 2014, 7:40 AM – 11:55 AM Room 339, Baltimore Convention Center Organizer: Sarah Mabrouk, Framingham State University

This session invites papers regarding the creation of "bridge" and introductory proofs courses and the effects of such courses on students' abilities to read, analyze, and write proofs in subsequent courses such as number theory, abstract algebra, real/complex analysis, and applied mathematics. Information about textbook selection, assignments/projects, and activities that help students to read and analyze statements as well as to understand when it is appropriate to use, for example, the contrapositive or proof by contradiction are of particular interest; papers promoting or abasing particular textbooks will not be considered. Papers providing information about approaches that have not been successful are welcome as are those about how ineffective initial attempts were modified to help students to understand statement analysis, recognize/write equivalent statements, select appropriate rather than inappropriate methods of proof, realize when proofs are complete or incomplete, and use meaningful language and terminology in good proof writing while minimizing student-frustration and the student's view that the instructor is being picky about sentence structure and diction. While papers providing evidence of course effectiveness in helping students to read, analyze, and write proofs are encouraged, the focus of this session is neither course assessment nor assessment of proof writing.

7:40 AM

Teach What You Do.

Clark Wells*, Grand Valley State University Presentation Sum Cons Integers Multiplication Table

(1096-D1-2104)

8:00 AM

The Evolution of an Introduction to Proofs Course.

Susanna S. Epp*, DePaul University Presentation

(1096-D1-1982)

8:20 AM

Using Video Case-Studies to Develop Proof Writing Skills.

Connie Campbell*, Millsaps College Presentation

James Sandefur, Georgetown University

Kay Somers, Moravian College

(1096-D1-365)

8:40 AM

Using Portfolios in an Introduction to Proofs Course.

Frederick M Butler*, York College of Pennsylvania Presentation

(1096-D1-701)

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9:00 AM

Writing Assignments in an Introduction to Proofs Course.

Kate Overmoyer*, Clarion University of Pennsylvania

(1096-D1-1126)

9:20 AM

Developing community norms for proof: forum discussions of the nature and import of proof.

Kristin A. Camenga*, Houghton College Presentation Handout

(1096-D1-2266)

9:40 AM

Evaluating Peers' Arguments as the Catalyst for Learning in an Introduction to Proofs Course.

Sarah K. Bleiler*, Middle Tennessee State University Presentation Selected Student Arguments

(1096-D1-1150)

10:00 AM

Integrating the Elements of an Introductory Proof Course.

Ockle E Johnson*, Keene State College

(1096-D1-2132)

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10:20 AM

Introduction to Proofs as A Survey Course in Mathematics.

William W. Johnston*, Butler University Presentation

(1096-D1-1752)

10:40 AM

Successes and Failures of Inquiry Based Learning in an Introduction to Proofs Course.

Rachel Esselstein*, California State University Monterey Bay

(1096-D1-1375)

11:00 AM

How important is the final answer? : Using inquiry-based learning in an introductory proofs course.

Susan Crook*, Loras College Big Bang Theory (clip)

(1096-D1-2418)

11:20 AM

Using an Inquiry-Based Learning Approach in Introduction to Proofs and Advanced Calculus Courses.

Jim Fulmer*, University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Tom McMillan, University of Arkansas at Little Rock

(1096-D1-2440)

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11:40 AM

Using Formal and Informal Proof Writing in an Introduction to Proofs Course.

Katherine J. Mawhinney*, Appalachian State University

(1096-D1-1639)

*Principle Speaker

This page was created and is maintained by S. L. Mabrouk, Framingham State University.

This page was last modified on Monday, December 30, 2013.