NIU professor Margaret Mason hopes to pass on new information about mathematics instruction she learned from a two-week summer program at the University of Chicago to her students and colleagues.

Mason, a professor of mathematical sciences, was among 29 mathematics supervisors, college professors, and high school teachers selected to take part in U of C’s Secondary Summer Institute.

During the program, participants attended lectures by faculty from U of C and other universities, discussed current issues in mathematics education, and worked with the latest equipment in calculator and computer technology.

In addition, each of the participants made a presentation on their areas of expertise. Mason’s presentation concerned the use of computers for middle-school geometry instruction. The system, named LOGO, involved the use of a computer-controlled robot to demonstrate basic geometry concepts.

Mason, who described the program as “very interesting”, said she plans to pass on the new ideas and information both to her colleagues at NIU and other teachers.

She said she plans to attend meetings of the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics, as well as speaking with new student teachers seeking certification. Also, she said she will attend several one-day follow-up meetings at U of C to share current information and discuss developments.

The program was conducted at U of C’s Department of Education under the direction of Zalman Usiskin, Professor of Education and Sharon Senk, Visiting Assistant Professor. Participants were selected from about 70 applicants from across the country.

The program, part of a teacher development effort sponsored by the U of C School Mathematics Project, is designed to bring mathematics instruction in line with recommendations from several national education commissions.

The project, the largest university-based, pre-collegiate mathematics program in the country, is supported with a $1.2 million grant from the Ford Motor Company.