UNSW L&T Seminar: Poladian -- Using journal articles to build and assess communication skills in undergraduate mathematics (CHANGE OF DATE)

Using journal articles to build and assess communication skills in undergraduate
mathematics.  

Speaker: A/Prof.  Leon Poladian 

Affiliation: School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Sydney 

Date: Fri, 18/09/2015 - 4:00pm 

Venue: RC-3085, The Red Centre, UNSW 

Abstract: 

Communication is one of the threshold learning outcomes for undergraduate mathematics;
in particular, the `appropriate interpretation of information communicated in
mathematical and statistical form’ and the `appropriate presentation of information,
reasoning and conclusions in a variety of modes, to diverse audiences (expert and
non-expert).’ However, apart from honours or talented student projects or specific units
on the logical structure of proofs, most undergraduate mathematics students do not get
to think about or practice their communication skills.  Before students attempt their
own communication they review some mathematics written by more experienced peers.
Journal articles written by other undergraduates were chosen as an authentic source to
design an activity that requires students to analyse an article and connect it both to
their own existing conceptual framework and the content of the unit they are currently
studying.  

Please join us after the seminar for wine and cheese in the staff common room, Red
Centre Building, RC-3082.