11 Sept: Numeracy Across the Curriculum
Speaker:  Harel Barzilai, Salisbury University and Cornell

Abstract: Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) programs have become increasingly common at colleges and universities.  While less recognized, the fundamental and growing importance of quantitative literacy (QL) in an increasingly technological world has gained a measure of acceptance, with more QL requirements and individual courses being developed. Is it time, however, to advance the notion that QL too deserves an "across the curriculum" status and to promote Numeracy Across the Curriculum (NAC)? I will describe a pilot program at Salisbury University in Maryland, and raise questions about what it would take for QL to receive its fair share of consideration regarding what a contemporary college education should include.  In other words, why do
so many colleges have a knack for WAC, but lack NAC?

27 Nov: How Your Students Use their Textbook

Speaker: Aaron Weinberg (Ithaca College)

Abstract: While most mathematics textbooks are written to help the reader develop an understanding of the mathematical content, my hypothesis is that many undergraduate students do not use textbooks in ways that help them gain this understanding. I surveyed 1300 undergraduate math students to find out when and how they use their book, what they value in a textbook, and how they think their professor asks them to use the book. In this talk, I will share the results and discuss implications for how we might better design and use math textbooks.