Nature of Science FPLC Nunez 2006-7
From CTLpedia
Reflections on my Experience in the Nature of Science Faculty and Professional Learning Community, Paul Nunez, Mathematics, Mesa Community College, Contact me (mailto:nunez@mail.mc.maricopa.edu)
Sumary: The following are reflections of my experience in the Nature of Science Faculty and Professional Learning Community for the 2006-7 academic year.
Contents |
My Thoughts on Improvement
My experience in the Nature of Science Learning Communuty has not only made me far more aware of the issues facing the sciences, it has also steered me toward a more interdisciplinary approach to my classes. I feel that with more knowledge and appreciation for other disciplines that use mathematics, I will be a more effective mathematics instructor.
What am I going to do?
My experience in the NOS Learning community has had a large effect on my plans. I am planning to go on sabbatical for the 2007-8 academic year, and my activities will be largely interdisciplinary with an emphasis not only on learning more science concepts, but also how mathematics is applied in other disciplines. An important outcome of my sabbatical activities will be fresh material taken from other disciplines than I can use in my classes. I hope these new materials will help my students appreciate more of the "big picture" of how mathematics is an integral part of so many other disciplines.
My Reflections
We have read more literature this year which I feel broadened my appreciation for the sciences even more. I even sat in on a physics class for a semester so that I could appreciate more the applications of the mathematics in a true science setting. The opportunity to discuss science topics with my colleagues is what I find most satisfying about participating in this learning community. I would go as far as to say that I feel more "connected" to my college now than I have ever been! I can't help but feel that this feeling of connectedness helps me contribute more in my work.
How will this affect my classes?
As I mentioned above, I hope my mathematics classes will soon become infused with more and varied activities and exercises as a result of my participation on the Nature of Science Learning Community as well as my upcoming sabbatical.
