Saturday, June 4, 2011

Legacy Conference - Day 3

What has Ally Learned? Outcomes for Students and Teachers of IBL Mathematics Courses


Sandra Laursen (Joint work with Marja-Liisa Hassi, Marina Kogan, and Anne-Barrie Hunter, Ethnography & Evaluation Research, and Tim Weston, ATLAS Assessment and Research Center, University of Colorado Boulder)

Abstract: We have recently completed data analysis for a large, multi-method study of inquiry-based learning in college mathematics as implemented across four university IBL Mathematics Centers. From classroom observations and interviews, we identify key features of these courses that were generally shared despite variations in style and implementation. We share some of the rich evidence from student surveys, tests, interviews, and academic records about how students benefited from IBL experiences and who appeared to benefit in particular. Finally, we highlight the learning processes that were important in these IBL classrooms, particularly the “twin pillars” of deep engagement in mathematics and collaboration with others.

Comments: The executive summary and the full report can be found at http://www.colorado.edu/eer/research/steminquiry.html.

General Remarks about this year's Legacy Conference


This year's conference is perhaps the best one that I have attended. Here a few things that have made an impact on me.

  • I have had an interest in Emerging Scholars Programs for quite some time. Thanks to Eric Tsu's talk, I have a be3tter idea of how we might start one at SFA.

  • Math circles for middle school teachers. It's time to start one.

  • I think that I have arrived at better definition of inquiry-based learning of at least one that works for me.


  • This year's conference seemed to be more focused on IBL in general as opposed to Moore Method.

Final Note

Waiting in the airport for my flight back to Texas. Next blog entry will be from Edu Days 3 in Seattle (in about two weeks).

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