Deliver A Curriculum With Appropriate Discipline Specific Knowledge
The curriculum will address the discipline specific knowledge dictated by professional societies and/or professionals in the workforce.
Objective
Understanding Mathematical Structures
Students will prove theorems or solve problems or explain concepts in the following core areas
abstract algebra structures such as groups, rings, fields, functions, homomorphisms, and isomorphisms.
differential and integral calculus
probability and statistics, particularly inferential statistics, and
transformational geometry to include isometrics and non-isometric transformations such as circles of inversion.
Indicator
MA Comprehensive Oral Examination
Students in the MA program will take an oral examination over the four areas covered in the objective. The oral examination will be scored by a committee of faculty using a rubric developed and approved by department faculty.
Criterion
Successful Completion Of Comprehensive Exam.
100% of the MA students will receive a grade of "Pass" or "High Pass" on each of the four areas according to the attached rubric.
Finding
2012-13 Oral Examination Results
Four MA students were administered an oral exam in 2012-13. Of those 4, all received either "Pass" or "High pass" in their four areas. One of the four students received a "High Pass" in all four areas.
MA Instructors did implement more student presentations in thier coursework. In all but one case, this had a positive effect. One of the MA students, however, had some difficulty. However, we attribute this to the fact that Eglish was not her first langage.
Action
Comprehensive Oral Examination
Graduate faculty will continue to administer oral comprehensive examinations and strive for a 100% pass or high-pass rate.
Goal
Develop Research Skills
Students will develop research skills commensurate with graduate student status.
Objective
Demonstrate Research Skills
Students completing the MA in Mathematics will demonstrate research skills.
Indicator
Research Project Rubric
MA students complete an independent research project. A rubric is used to score the project.
Criterion
80% Or Better On Project Rubric
Students will be rated at least 80% on the project rubric.
Finding
Research Projects, 2012-13
Three of the four students received a rating of better than 90%. One student received a rating between 80% and 90%. In this latter case, the student omitted some proofs and explanations that did not make her project as strong as it could have been.
While all four MA projects were successful, one student did struggle. We believe it was the combination of taking 2 classes during the summer, making time management an issue.
Action
Research Project Actions
The graduate faculty that mentor research projects in Mathematics Education will continue to strive for a rubric score of at least 80% for each MA student.