Reflecting on Teaching (Melanie Pivarski)

Writing

Business Mathematics I in a Large Lecture Format: A Peer Review Portfolio. July, 2007 at the Peer Review of Teaching Project. This is a reflective portfolio about teaching introductory math. It was developed during the Peer Review Teaching Project at Texas A&M University (2006-2007 school year); this involved a biweekly series of meetings discussing teaching practices with a specific focus on developing an individual course.
Graphing and Describing Derivatives and Integrals April, 2008 (a poster in pdf format) This was developed in the Teaching as Research faculty learning community at sponsored by the Center for Teaching Excellence Texas A&M University (2007-2008 school year). Here, I participated in a biweekly series of meetings focused on studying an aspect of teaching from a research oriented perspective. This included collecting data on aspects of a course and using it to evaluate student learning and teaching effectiveness.

Activities and Presentations about Teaching and Learning

Participant in Brazos Valley Math Teacher's Circle (2008-present). Presentations:
- Two Player Games (2009).

While at Cornell, I helped develop and expand on programs to help graduate students become better teachers.

Mentor for First Time Teaching Assistants at Cornell University. Along with Kristin Camenga and Mia Minnes, I developed a mentoring program for new Teaching Assistants, including sessions on first day of class, grading exams and homework. This was to provide follow up support to the Teaching Assistant training. (Fall 2005)
Graduate Teaching Assistant Trainer at Cornell University. Under the direction of Maria Terrell, I was part of a team of graduate students that led new teaching assistants in discussions and activities on teaching and learning, with a focus on recitation sessions. I was specifically involved in sessions on active learning, group work, and grading. (2001, 2002, 2004, 2005)
Presentations in the Teaching Seminar at Cornell University
- Jobs in Mathematics Panel participant (2006).
- How to Write Good Questions Panel organizer (2006).
- Icebreakers (2005).
- Tips for Grading Homework with Mia Minnes and Kristin Camenga, (2005).
- Small Groups: Advantages and Disadvantages, with Mia Minnes (2005).
- Outreach: What's Appropriate, Useful, and Possible (2004).
- Day 1 - Epsilon: How to Prepare (2003).

Training in Mathematics Education

Participant in Texas A&M University teaching development event: "Syllabus Workshop" (August 2008).
Participant in the Teaching as Research faculty learning community at Texas A&M University (2007-2008 school year).
Participant in the Peer Review Teaching Project at Texas A&M University (2006-2007 school year).
Participant in Cornell University teaching development workshop on "Facilitating a Discussion" and "College Student's Cognitive Stages" (January 2005).
Participant in the Teaching Seminar at Cornell University (2000-2006).
Audited "Educational Issues in Undergraduate Mathematics" (Spring 2002).
Participant in Cornell Mathematics department's TA training (Fall 1999).
Participant in Carnegie Mellon Mathematics department's TA training (Fall 1997).

Made September 30, 2008
by Melanie Pivarski
pivarski AT math DOT tamu DOT edu