We propose a three-year plan to develop a new classroom model in mathematics education. It will be focussed at the 11th and 12th grade levels and at the community college level for engineering technology students preparing to enter the manufacturing workforce. Students will be taught the same powerful problem-solving strategies that are used in the manufacturing industry and will solve these problems by developing critical thinking skills and using multimedia and interactive technology in networked collaborative learning environments. Students will learn to develop solutions to real problems in a high technology virtual workplace-the classroom. Through partnerships with industry, universities, community colleges, and high schools, new models of apprenticeships and internships combining the classroom with the workplace will be developed using full motion video conferencing. Colleges of Education at universities in cooperation with the manufacturing industry and non-profit technology institutions in North Carolina will provide both in-service and pre-service professional development and technical support to high school and community college faculty. To encourage alliances around the nation in restructuring technician education, we will develop a national discourse on innovative instruction in engineering technology. In this new model for technician education, the classroom will become a virtual workplace for students to gain experience and confidence in solving real problems facing engineering technicians in manufacturing, and share experiences on problem-solving strategies used in manufacturing.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Undergraduate Education (DUE)
Type
Standard Grant (Standard)
Application #
9553709
Program Officer
Elizabeth Teles
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
1995-10-01
Budget End
1999-09-30
Support Year
Fiscal Year
1995
Total Cost
$139,450
Indirect Cost
Name
North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Raleigh
State
NC
Country
United States
Zip Code
27603