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About The Clackamas print. (Oregon City, Oregon) 1989-2019 | View Entire Issue (April 29, 2009)
Clackamas Print Arts Cult Wednesday,' April 29, 2009 Math class offers new piece of p Mark Foster The Clackamas Print In 2005, a group of students had run out of classes to take at Clackamas. The college felt they could offer more for these students, and a plan Was put in place to create another math class which would give them, and other students, an opportunity to continue their mathematical edu cational Clackamas, thus Math 299 was bom. It’s not your average sit-listen-take notes math class but a more interactive and student run class. Hailing from Missouri, Mark Yannotta came to Clackamas to teach this class. The class moves on from general computation-based, calculus to proof-based courses such as advanced calculus and abstract algebra. Yannotta’s class is a prep class, and it covers about two-thirds of what would be covered in a 300 level math class at a four-year university. The class covers a lot of what is typically not covered in. a 200 level class. Depending on what Was accomplished .the previous class, Yannotta either helps finish what was not finished or poses anew task for students. Keri Tegtmeier described the class as being, “more student directed and flexible” when it comes to finishing a task. Tegtmeier, who hopes to become an engineer, said that Yannotta does not push students but rather lets them figure it out on their own. Yannotta noted, “A lot of what goes on in class happens on the fly.” > The Clackamas Print The Clackamas Print 196006. Molalla Ave. Oregon City, OR 97045 503-657-6958, ext. 2309 In the actual class, Yannotta asked his students “What does it mean to have a Sudoku property?” Each student sat quietly thinking over the answer to the question on their own. As the students worked meticulously, Yan notta told them, “If you’re not upset, you’re not learning.” Ibis is his interpretation of a quote from psychologist Ernst von Glaserfeld. What Yannota means by this is that students struggle with the ideas presented and change their way of thinking as opposed to just absorbing the mate rial he has put forth. As they begin to come together, Yannotta has the person with the most number of elements in their middle name answer first. At the table furthest from the front, the group decides that Charles Mitchell has the best an swer, “Linear relations retain a strict pattern of singularity using all options thusly.” Every class Yannotta’s assistant, Amy Bran denburg, is lhere to film the class. Brandonburg, currently a math major at Portland State, is no stranger to this class. She previously filmed the class once before and has also taken it and helped co-teachit at PSU. The class is partnered with PSU through a federal grant offered by the National Science Foundation. All the film and data materials gath ered during class, are eventually sent off to uni versities across the nation. In the short history of Math 299, there have been only four female students. In the current class, there are five female students out of the nine enrolled. Rosanna Cole and Tegtmeier both Editor in Chief: Lydia Emily Bashaw Copy Editor. Matthew Ostergren Web and Graphics Editor: Kayla Berge News Editor: Tohn Hurlburt A&C Editor: Abigail Neet Feature Editor: Nick Komafel Sports Editor: Kayla Calloway Photo Editor:John Shufelt Photo Editor: Robert Crawford agreed that good recruiting helped to bring in the female students. Cole has taken classes with Yannotta before and was drawn in by his enthu siasm for the class. Cole likes that in this class there are no real right answers. Theory plays a large role and stu dents are encouraged to delve into what these theories really mean. Yannotta said, “By taking Math 299, stu dents get an opportunity to discuss proof within the context of a mathematical area they later.” The course sheds light upon subject many will never study, and it seems as he has found a way to connect with stud make material understandable. “One becomes a mathematician because of what they learn, but also be what they do,” said Yannotta. micneue newuy moodi As opposed to having individual seats, this class seats students at group tables: can work together. Here students are seen socializing as they wait for class to: A d M anager : Meredith James P roduction A ssistants : Kelsey Schneider, Sean Huggins S taff W riters / P hotographers : J ournalism A dviser : Deile Balbi, Jessica Foster, Melissa Jones MarkFoster, Brad Heirieke, Jaycob Izso,Michelle Newby, Lisa Sellars, Greg Stoltz, Mark D epartment S ecretary : Pat Thompson Sunderland , Go-ux lite Cliwkamas IMitt <r; to teport the news in an honest unbiased, professional manner. 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