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Department of Mathematical Sciences

Name: Robert A. Powers
Assistant Professor of Mathematical Sciences

Education:

Ed.D.

Curriculum & Instruction, University of Houston (2001)

M.S.

Mathematics, Colorado State University (1999)

B.S.

Mathematics, Colorado State University (1997)

 

Current UNC Courses:

MATH 387 Mathematics in Our Technological World

 

Previous UNC Courses:

MATH 181 Fundamentals of Mathematics I

MED 441 Methods of Teaching Mathematics

MED 487 Technology, Manipulatives and NCTM Standards

STEP 161 Observation and Analysis of Secondary Teaching I (Joint Seminar Partner Team Member)

STEP 262 Observation and Analysis of Secondary Teaching II (Joint Seminar Partner Team Member)

STEP 363 Clinical Experience, Secondary (Joint Seminar Partner Team Member/Content Supervisor)

STEP 464 Secondary Student Teaching (University Supervisor)


Teaching Philosophy:

My teaching philosophy centers on the premise that every student can learn mathematics. My classroom goal is to help each person realize his or her potential. I do not believe that I can simply transmit my knowledge and understanding to students. Rather, I believe that knowledge is constructed within each of us. As a result, I consider myself a facilitator of learning. It is crucial, therefore, for me to help students believe that they can learn. One way to do that is to help students realize that they enter my classroom with an incredible amount of relevant knowledge. I attempt to use their pre-existing insights to build knowledge and further understanding in the teaching process. Other ways that I facilitate learning include tasks that are meaningful to the students and technology that is appropriate for the learning situation.

Professional Experience:

2002-present 

University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO

Assistant Professor

2001-2002

University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO

Instructor

2000-2001

University of Houston, Houston, TX

Research Assistant III

1996-2000

University of Houston, Houston, TX

Graduate Research Assistant

1990-1996

Front Range Community College, Ft. Collins, CO

Mathematics Faculty

1988-1990

Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO

Graduate Teaching Assistant

 

Research Interests:

Investigation of Demiregular Tessellations

Use of Handheld Computer Algebra Systems in Discrete Mathematics

Implementation of Mathematics Education Reform Practices of Preservice Secondary Mathematics Teachers

 

Recent Publications:

Banta, M., Brewer, R., Hansen, A., Ku, H. Y., Pacheco, K., Powers, R., Robinson, J., & Tucker, G. (accepted). An innovative program for cultivating grant writing skills in new faculty members. Journal of Research Administration.

Powers, R., & Blubaugh, W., (submitted). Technology in mathematics education: Preparing teachers for the future. Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education - Math.

Farmer, J., & Powers, R. A. (submitted). Exploring Mayan numerals. Teaching Children Mathematics.

Padrón, Y. P., Waxman, H., Powers, R. A., & Brown, A. P. (2002). Evaluating the effects of the Pedagogy for Improving Resiliency Program: The challenges of school reform in a high stakes testing climate. In L. Minaya-Rowe (Ed.), Research in bilingual education series: Vol. 1. Teacher training and effective pedagogy in the context of student diversity (pp. 211-238). Greenwich, CT: Information Age Publishing.

Powers, R. A. (2001). Big box-office bucks. Mathematics Teacher, 94, 112-118, 125-127.

 

Recent Presentations:

Powers, R. A. (2004, February). Integrating mathematical ideas. Presentation to the Eaton School District, Eaton, CO.

Blubaugh, W. L., & Powers, R. A. (2003, January). Tools and technology of secondary mathematics. Paper presented at the Seventh Annual Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators Conference, Atlanta, GA.

Powers, R. A. (2002, October). Mayan and Martian numbers: Exploring alternative number systems.  Paper presented at the Colorado Council of Teachers of Mathematics 2002 Conference, Denver, CO.

Powers, R. A. (2002, January). Factors affecting the implementation of standards practices in high school algebra. Paper presented Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO.

Powers, R. A. (2002, February). Standards practices: Factors affecting their implementation in high school algebra. Paper presented at Winona State University, Winona, MN.

Vitae:

Vitae - Spring 2004

 

E-Mail: robert.powers@unco.edu
Telephone: (970) 351-1157
Fax: (970) 351-1225
Office: Ross 2240C

 

URL: http://hopper.unco.edu/faculty/personal/powers.htm


Date Page last modified and links checked: September 1, 2004
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