Teaching and Learning Mathematics from the Student’s Standpoint
Friday, March 16, 2018, 8:00 a.m.

In an age where terms like “multiculturalism” and “cultural relevance” have been littered across the educational landscape, teachers and administrators still have a challenging time implementing instructional approaches and tools that meet the needs of a diverse student population. This is particularly the case in the teaching of mathematics, where perceptions of mathematics creates psychological blocks between students and the discipline. In this address, education speaker Christopher Emdin describes approaches to engaging youth in mathematics and statistics in ways that address how and why they are disconnected from the discipline, and offers a path forward.

About Chris Emdin

Dr. Christopher Emdin is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology at Teachers College, Columbia University; where he also serves as Director of Science Education at the Center for Health Equity and Urban Science Education. He is also the Associate Director of the Institute for Urban and Minority Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. He is an alumni fellow at the Hutchins Center at Harvard University, and currently serves as Minorities in Energy Ambassador for the U.S. Department of Energy and the STEAM Ambassador for the U.S. Department of State.

Dr. Emdin is a social critic, public intellectual and science advocate whose commentary on issues of race, culture, inequality and education have appeared in dozens of influential periodicals including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post.

Dr. Emdin holds a Ph.D in Urban Education with a concentration in Mathematics, Science, and Technology; Masters degrees in both Natural Sciences and Education Administration, and Bachelors degrees in Physical Anthropology, Biology, and Chemistry.

He is the creator of the #HipHopEd social media movement, and a much sought-after public speaker on a number of topics that include hip-hop education, STEM education, politics, race, class, diversity, and youth empowerment. He is also an advisor to numerous international organizations, school districts, and schools where he delivers speeches, and holds workshops/ professional development sessions for students, teachers, policy makers, and other education stakeholders within the public and private sector.

Teaching with Technology: A Look at the Past, the Present, and the Future
Saturday March 17, 8:00 am

George Woodbury, College of the Sequoias (Moderator)
Wade Ellis, West Valley College
Michael Sullivan III, Joliet Junior College
Diana Thomas, United States Military Academy
Frank Wattenberg, United States Military Academy

What has your experience been teaching with technology? What engages your students most? What should technology be doing for your students? And what's the difference-maker for you and your students in and outside the classroom for learning math and statistics using technology? Join our diverse panel keynote address to learn more and share your own our insights.