Discussion 1: Learning Mathematics

The goals of this discussion are to introduce students to the idea of working in groups and to focus students on their different learning styles as well as their mathematical strengths and weaknesses. In answering these questions, students can consider, for example, whether they are more visual or computational in learning mathematics, and whether they are more likely to learn through examples or abstraction. In addition, they can begin to think about how their strengths can contribute to a collaboration with others in the class, as well as the strengths they hope others would bring to the group.

This discussion should be completed in class on the first day of class. Student responses to this discussion can be used in determining appropriate collaborative groups for the class. Either Discussion 1 or Discussion 2 should be used, but not both.