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  • Brock Mathematics Education Seminar Series

    Friday, April 29, 2022 | By

    Bodymarking: Interpreting Students’ Embodied Experiences in the Mathematics Classroom

    Presented by Dr. Joshua Markle, PhD.
    Friday May 06, 2022, at 2 p.m.
    Register here  (MS Teams or Lifesize link will be emailed to you prior to event.)
    Inquiries about seminar: Dr. Steven Khan (skhan6@brocku.ca)

    The work described in this presentation sits at the intersection of two critical areas of research in mathematics education: spatial reasoning and embodiment. Spatial reasoning has been identified as integral to both general mathematical capability and the potential for individuals to flourish in life beyond formal mathematics education. Research on the body in mathematics education points to the constitutive role the body plays in the development of mathematical understanding, the importance of understanding students’ experience of the body in the mathematics classroom, and how our senses, such as sight and touch, are integral to how we know and do mathematics. In this presentation, I discuss the development and use
    of a tool for observing and describing everyday classroom actions, such as gesture and gaze, to offer an interpretation of how students use the body to both sense and make sense in a spatial reasoning activity.

    Bio

    Josh is an Assistant Professor (LTA) of mathematics education in the Faculty of Education at Brock University. His research explores students’ experiences in classroom mathematics and is oriented by three key themes. The first is a focus on how spatial reasoning skills are developed and used in mathematical problem solving and posing. The second explores the role of embodiment and the experience of the body in coming to know and do mathematics. And a third, all-encompassing theme investigates how mathematics can enable students to flourish, both within and beyond the classroom. His work is grounded in theories of embodied cognition, such as enactivism, and he primarily draws on interpretive traditions as research methodologies.

  • (Online) Math Ed Seminar Series @ Brock

    Thursday, March 04, 2021 | By

    Computer Programming in Mathematics Education: Some Results from a Literature Review and an International Scan

    Thursday 4 March 2021 @ 12:00
    Location: https://call.lifesizecloud.com/7273386

    Dr. Laura Broley, Post-Doctoral Fellow
    Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Brock University

    Abstract: A recently conducted scan of the place of computer programming in curricula around the worldconfirms the international move towards its integration into K-12 education and highlights the variety ofapproaches taken so far: e.g., integrating programming as part of a subject to study on its own, as an element ofa particular subject, or as a cross-curricular competency. In this talk, we place Ontario’s curriculum within thisinternational context, through its integration of coding in elementary mathematics that began in September 2020.Based on a literature review, we consider various perspectives that might explain this integration: from the mostrecent trends in “Computational Thinking” or “Digital Literacy,” to Seymour Papert’s pioneering work from the80s, which showed how programming could be a source of power to learn, do, and think about mathematics.Interestingly, it turns out that Brock Department of Mathematics and Statistics’ 20-year implementation of MICAcourses aligns with the latter. To complement the theories, we also synthesize some concrete ways in whichK-12 teachers might bring the power of programming to their students.

    All undergraduate (including teacher candidates) students, graduate students, and faculty, from theDepartment of Mathematics and Statistics and the Faculty of Education are welcome!

    For information, contact: Chantal Buteau: cbuteau@brocku.ca or Steven Khan: skhan6@brocku.ca

  • Black History Month

    Thursday, February 11, 2021 | By

    Black history month logo on African coloured background

    Resources

    Events

    Details and registration for events can be found here on Experience BU: https://experiencebu.brocku.ca/organization/african-heritage-month/events

    Virtual Symposium: Activism and Solidarity Post-Script to the “Scholar Strike Canada” Keynote

    Watch Professor Handel Kashope Wright deliver the keynote at the Virtual Symposium: Activism and Solidarity Post-Script to the “Scholar Strike Canada” on October 29, 2020. Dr. Wright is the Director of the Centre for Culture, Identity & Education at the University of British Columbia. Keynote Title: “The Urgency of Black Studies and the Insufficiency of Anti-Racism”.

  • Brock Learning Lab shares resources for online learning

    Tuesday, April 14, 2020 | By

    Father and son doing homework together at a dining room table.

    In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, parents of Ontario’s K-12 students have found themselves trying to teach math, reading and other subjects at home.

    With the latest news from the province, students will be learning at home until at least May 4 through a new teacher-led program.

    Finding appropriate resources and advice can be a challenge for parents trying to support learning at home.

    To help the parents of students they tutor each week, the team at the Brock Learning Lab (BLL), which is part of the University’s Faculty of Education, have posted resources on its Facebook page when schools first closed in March. This informal outreach with a small group of local families has now become a toolkit of online resources available to families across the province.Read more

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  • On-the-spot admissions opportunities

    Wednesday, February 19, 2020 | By

    Update: Please note that the March 24 table at Niagara College (Welland) has been cancelled. 

    Ready to Apply? Staff will be on hand provide on-the-spot admissions to the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and the Adult Education programs. Students who apply in person must bring unofficial copies of transcripts or a printed copy of their mark-book, $100 for full-time study/$55 for part-time study (cash or credit accepted) and a piece of photo ID. Have a question? Contact futurestudent@brocku.ca. Learn more about the program or apply at:

    • On-the-spot admissions/information table at Mohawk College on Friday, Feb. 28, 2020, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
    • CANCELLED: On-the-spot admissions/information table at Niagara College (Welland) on Tuesday, March 24, 2020, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

  • FOE Celebration of Scholarship

    Friday, December 27, 2019 | By

    FOE Celebration of Scholarship with speaker at podium and attendees

    With 2019 drawing to a close, faculty and staff gathered to celebrate the contributions of Faculty of Education (FOE) researchers to the field of Education, communities, educators and learners of all ages.

    The 2019 Celebration of Scholarship, Creativity and Innovation, which took place on Nov. 27 in the Welch Hall Atrium, recognized the work of FOE researchers, including:

    • 76 Journal Articles
    • 53 Book Chapters
    • 21 Books
    • 10 Videos/Films
    • 10 Interviews, Task Force Contributions, Online/Media Acknowledgements
    • 6 Performances
    • 5 Special Issues
    • 4 Conferences/Symposia
    • 3 Posters
    • 2 Research Reports
    • 2 Open Educational Resources
    • 1 Academic Writing Retreat
    • 1 Encyclopedia Entry
    • 1 Fiction/Short Story
    • 1 Policy Brief

    The event was organized by Snezana Ratkovic, Research Officer in the Faculty of Education.

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  • Brock students bring holiday magic to local school

    Tuesday, December 24, 2019 | By

    An elementary school student makes a Christmas ornament with a Brock volunteer

    A local elementary school was filled with holiday cheer thanks to some help from Brock University students and the Concurrent Education Student Association (CESA).

    The annual Holiday Extravaganza, organized by CESA, has become a festive tradition at Prince of Wales Public School in Thorold. The event paired 175 kindergarten to Grade 8 students from the school with a volunteer Brock Buddy for a day of crafts, games and relaxation.

    The fun-filled day was packed with stations that ranged from slime and ornament making  to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) activities. Each activity was tied to this year’s theme, How the Grinch Stole Holiday Extravaganza.

    Most of these volunteers are from Brock’s Concurrent Education programs, but students from across campus signed up to bring some joy to a local child.

    “Participating in an event like Holiday Extravaganza is a very rewarding experience where we are able to give back to the Thorold community,” said Josh Lupo, a third-year Concurrent Teacher Education student and member of the CESA planning team for the event. “This is my second year helping plan this event and something I want to continue to do. It brings so much joy to me and the students at Prince of Wales.”

    In total, about 230 Brock students volunteered to bring the event to life. Behind the scenes, 51 CESA members were on site to ensure the day went smoothly.

    The planning team for the event, comprised of Concurrent Teacher Education students, included first-year Hailey Plant, third-year Taylor Bogart, fourth-year Kaley Hughes and Lupo.

    Brock students were joined by special guests Boomer the Badger, the Thorold Fire and Emergency Services, and the Educational Research and Innovation Hub (ihub).

    The day was also made possible through the sponsorship and donations of local businesses and organizations’ time and financial aid. Students received packages of a toothbrush, toothpaste, books, toys, coupons and other small items. This year’s sponsors and donors included:

    • Shoppers Drug Mart
    • Brock University Campus Store
    • Brock Student Wellness and Accessibility Services
    • Zehrs
    • Boston Pizza on Ontario Street, St. Catharines
    • Starbucks Martindale Road, St. Catharines
    • Tim Hortons on James Street, St. Catharines
    • Bethesda
    • Millcroft Dental
    • Book Depot
    • Niagara Helicopters
    • Brand Blvd

    The day ended with each child receiving a gift from Santa, with gifts were supplied by their Brock Buddies based on the children’s interests.

    While the Holiday Extravaganza is the culmination of months of planning and work, the effort is worthwhile for everyone involved.

    “This community gives so much to local pre-service teachers,” said Hughes. “Having this opportunity to give back is the least we can do for such a wonderful school and group of students. Being there on the day of the event and seeing all the students laughing, opening presents and making new friends is priceless and makes every second of work so worth it.”

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  • Academic Writing Retreat

    Sunday, November 17, 2019 | By

    Writing, Mindfulness, & Memoirs

    December 8-12, 2019 at Crieff Hills Community in Puslinch, ON.

    Join retreat facilitators Snežana Ratković, Michelle McGinn and Dragana Martinovic for a chance to hone your academic writing skills. Melinda Burns and Pinar Sen will be guest facilitators at the retreat. The retreat will include:

    • Individual Writing Time
    • Workshops & Mindfulness Activities
    • Group Editing
    • One-on-One Consultations
    • Informal Gatherings in a Natural Environment

    Food, Accommodation & Facilitation fees are $650.00 per writer. Enrolment is limited and closes on Nov. 22, 2019. Email snezana.ratkovic@brocku.ca to register.

  • Event: Book Launch and Signing

    Wednesday, November 13, 2019 | By

    Lissa Paul recently published a book tracing the journey of Eliza Fenwick (1766-1840) from being a promising writer at the centre of radical London in the late 1700s to running a school in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

    Eliza Fenwick: Early Modern Feminist by Dr. Lissa Paul

    Thursday, Nov. 21st, 2019
    7 to 9 p.m.
    Niagara Historical Society Museum
    43 Castlereagh Street
    Niagara-on-the-Lake

    Join Dr. Lissa Paul to celebrate the release of Eliza Fenwick, Early Modern Feminist.

    More than a century before feminism was invented, British author, teacher and single-working grandmother, Eliza Fenwick (1766-1840) was making it on her own. In tracing Fenwick’s odyssey to 240 Centre Street in Niagara-of-the-Lake in the 1830s from radical London of the 1790s (via Barbados and New York), Dr. Paul reveals Fenwick as a Canadian heroine and author. Learn more about this fascinating book.

    Research for Eliza Fenwick, Early Modern Feminist (U Delaware Press, 2019) was generously supported by SSHRC.

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  • CUPE Job Action Updates for Teacher Candidates

    Friday, October 04, 2019 | By

    The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) confirmed that job action will begin across the province on Monday, September 30 and they will be on strike on October 7, 2019. CUPE members include custodians, maintenance staff, office administrators, clerical staff, early childhood educators (ECE), educational assistants (EA), and information technology technicians.

    At this time, each School Board is reviewing the job action directive from CUPE provincial to its members to determine the impact these will have on schools, to learning and working, and to safety in schools for students, staff and teachers.

    Boards are committed to providing our school communities with additional details on the job action as soon as they can. Please monitor the web site of your school district for its decision on whether schools remain open during the CUPE job action.

    Undergraduate Concurrent Education students involved in school‐based experiential learning placements and Teacher Candidates who begin structured experiences on Wednesday October 9, 2019 and practicum as early as the week of October 21, you need to be aware of the following specific issues:

    1. If a school district closes its schools, you are not to report to the school.
    2. If schools remain open, teaching staff are expected to be in attendance. Teachers’ contracts oblige them to report to work during job action by other bargaining units, unless they are absolutely unable to do so, in which case they need to report this to their administrator.
    3. Teacher Candidates are expected to attend schools if they remain open. If you are absolutely unable to attend, please report this to your Associate Teacher and to the Brock FOE Placement Office.
    4. If you are at a school during the CUPE job action, please be respectful of the rights of CUPE members and the normal practices for crossing any lines.
    5. As a teacher candidate, you need to be clear in your role within the school and you should not be performing a role that would otherwise be the direct responsibility of a CUPE worker.

    If you need clarification about the specific roles performed by the ECE or EA in your school/classroom, ask for guidance from your Associate Teacher or Practicum Advisor.

    The Faculty of Education Placement Office will endeavor to keep you informed of the status of specific school districts through periodic emails and our website updates.

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