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Keith Devlin, "Math Guy" (Photo by Richard Ressman)
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Mathematics Teachers' Conference at WIU March 27

March 25, 2009

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MACOMB, IL - - Western Illinois University will host the 58th Annual Mathematics Teachers Conference, featuring NPR's "Math Guy" as the featured guest speaker, Friday, March 27.

"Teaching and Learning Mathematics K-14: Reflecting on the Past and Preparing for the Future" is this year's theme for the 8 a.m.-4 p.m. conference.

"This annual conference for K-14 teachers of mathematics in our region brings participants from as far away as Chicago and its suburbs," said Iraj Kalantari, chair of WIU's mathematics department. "The conference aims to provide valuable insights and information for teachers of all levels.

"We are pleased to have nationally renowned and accomplished mathematician Keith Devlin of Stanford University as our featured speaker," Kalantari added. "Devlin, known as the ‘Math Guy' on NPR, frequently addresses radio audiences on mathematical issues."

Devlin will present "Math 20-20 Vision," which will focus on what he sees as two major revolutions in mathematics education by 2020 - - videogame technology and mobile phones that deliver instruction in basic quantitative skills - - and take a fresh look at how these can be taught. His presentation, which will be from 8:30-9:30 a.m. in Morgan Hall 109, is open free to the public.

Roger Eggleton, professor and former chair of mathematics at Illinois State University, will present the faculty foundation address, "The Enchantment of Mathematics," at the end of the conference.

Conference presenters include faculty and staff from Western Illinois, Illinois State; Spoon River College; the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics (ICTM); Valley Park (MO) Elementary School; Chicago Public Schools; Hamilton (IL) School; Lincoln Elementary School (Macomb); Macomb Junior High School; Schuyler Industry School (Rushville, IL); Sherrard (IL) Junior High School; Hamilton High School (Moline, IL); and Paw Paw (IL) Junior/Senior High School.

The conference is sponsored by Western's department of mathematics, with support from the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics (ICTM), the West Central Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the WIU department of curriculum and instruction.

For more information, contact the WIU mathematics department at (309) 298-2275 or visit wiu.edu/math/events/conference_home.php.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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