Journal of the Mathematics Council of the Alberta Teachers’ Association
Volume 46 Issue 1, December 2008
This summer, I had the pleasure of teaching graduate students enrolled in a master’s program centered on elementary mathematics and science. Many of our conversations focused on the changes in the new curriculum for mathematics. Change is a recurring theme in conversations I have with teachers throughout the province: What is different about this new program of studies? What do these new things mean for me in the classroom? Are they just fads? How can I teach to encourage a deeper understanding of mathematics?
delta-K is dedicated to the exploration of change. In response to questions generated by teachers this summer, and with the help of Karen Virag, supervising editor at the ATA, I investigated why our journal is named delta-K. I share the following excerpt with you:
In December 1970, a major change was initiated, and the intent was explained in the Newsletter. Due to the nature of the articles being printed, the publication had grown to be more than a newsletter; it had developed into a professional journal. Suggestions for a name for the new journal were requested from members. The Mathematics Council Newsletter was renamed delta-K in May 1971. The chosen name represents delta (Li), the fourth letter in the Greek alphabet used in mathematics to represent an increment or increase. K is for knowledge: know ledge of mathematics, know ledge of teaching mathematics and knowledge of new methods and developments in our discipline. (Worth and Jorgenson 1995, 37)
Indeed, we are in an era of change and this issue of delta-K presents thought-provoking articles on what this change might mean for mathematics teachers in Alberta. As you catch your breath during this festive season, take time to reflect on the legacy we bring to this significant endeavor.
Gladys Sterenberg
Reference
Worth, J, and A Jorgenson. 1995. Thirty-Four Years and Counting: The History of the Mathematics Council of the Alberta Teachers’ Association. Edmonton, Alta: Alberta Teachers’ Association.
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2
Gladys Sterenberg
3
Sharon Gach
4
Elaine Simmt
5 – 6
The Right Angle: Report from Alberta Education
Kathy McCabe
7 – 12
The Graphing Calculator A Valuable Tool in Mathematics Education
Len Bonifacio and Darryl Smith
13 – 18
Assessing Attitudes Through Student Writing
Lorelei Gibeau and Katherine Willson
19 – 23
Rationale Gone Missing: A Comparative and Historical Curriculum Search
Lynn McGarvey
24 – 26
Developmental and Remedial Approaches in Mathematics Instruction
Marlow Ediger
27 – 32
A Grade 4 Adventure with Multiplication on the Chinese Abacus
Jerry Ameis
33 – 36
Reliable Delivery with Unreliable Deliverers
Sven Ti-Zin Chou and Jason Wen-pen Liao
37 – 44
Boxes for Water: We Can Make a Difference
Nancy Espetveidt
45 – 56
Alberta Mathematics Competitions
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