The main goal of this project is to combine a constructivist approach to teaching with technological tools for learning in order to improve the undergraduate mathematics and science teacher preparation programs at North Carolina State University. Revised courses will provide alternative models to the traditional lecture and chalkboard/overhead method of instruction for undergraduates who are preparing to become secondary mathematics and science teachers. Since teachers teach as they have been taught, graduates of the revised program should be able to use a constructivist approach to teaching in their own classrooms and enhance that teaching with existing and emerging technologies. To support this change four mathematicians, three scientists, five mathematics educators, four science educators, twelve teachers, and several business executives will work collaboratively on revisions to ten separate courses. These specialists will be organized into teams responsible for incorporating the use of appropriate technologies and a constructivist approach to teaching into three mathematics courses, two introductory science courses, three mathematics education courses, and two science education courses. The cost sharing for the project will be 135% of the NSF support.
