The Joy of Thinking
The Joy of Thinking is a program designed to
increase interest and enthusiasm for scientific reasoning and mathematical
activities among preadolescent and adolescent girls. The program is funded by
the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) in conjunction with the Tensor
Foundation. The primary focus is the implementation of girls’ math clubs in
local area middle schools. As of February 2005 seven separate clubs have been
formed, representing a diverse range of urban and rural schools including one
which is 97% Hispanic, several public schools and one private school. A major
feature of the program is to have successful young women facilitate the clubs
and these include a science education graduate student, mathematics graduate
students, a senior engineering student and several pre-service education
students. The participating schools are OL Slaton Junior High School, Cavazos
Junior High School, Atkins Junior High School, Wilson Junior High School,
Bennett Intermediate School, Christ the King Elementary School, and Ramirez
Elementary School.
Most of the
clubs meet once each week and ongoing activities include math games, hands-on
science, interest surveys, and consultation with teachers on curricular issues.
Student feedback has indicated increased confidence in problem solving among the
girls. It is estimated that 150 girls have participated in the 2003-2005 time
period and approximately 50% of these are from underrepresented populations.
Program
directors are Drs. Jerry Dwyer and Magdalena Toda. Schools wishing to
participate are encouraged to contact Dr. Dwyer at jdwyer@math.ttu.edu