Mathematics instruction is experiencing a period of rapid change, incorporating the use of contemporary computing technology with more interactive methods of learning and teaching. Accordingly, adaptation of instructional materials requires substantial effort, whether in print or in electronic form.

Math Education Research at Rensselaer

Math Education research has produced several successful projects.

Project Links promotes student learning in mathematics, engineering, and science by focusing on the links between these fields. Researchers have created a library of hypertext modules that link topics in mathematics with contemporary applications in engineering and science.

Several faculty members have worked closely with several local school districts and the New York State Education Department to develop up-to-date programs and materials that can be used in the pre-college mathematics classrooms.

Rensselaer also houses the Anderson Center for Innovation in Undergraduate Education. Since its inception, this center has served as an incubator for curriculum reform by:

• Supporting faculty involvement in educational computing.
• Developing new techniques and facilities for interactive learning.
• Sponsoring cutting edge research on the assessment of learning outcomes.

Current Projects

Researchers are currently developing studio courses that actively engage students in the learning process.

Faculty are also collaborating on the development of a multimedia environment — a calculus world — that would help a student learn and acquire the fundamental concepts of calculus through exploration and discovery.

Faculty Researchers

Joe Ecker
Mark Holmes
Ashwani Kapila
Lester Rubenfeld