Dr. Bennett speaks frequently to a variety of audiences. Click on the links below for details and to learn how to book Dr. Bennett for any of the following:
Dr. Bennett developed one of the nation's first courses in Quantitative Reasoning at the University of Colorado. As a result, he has spoken to faculty from dozens of colleges and universities about his course and the needs of students in general education mathematics courses. Below is a title and short abstract for his seminar.
Title/abstract: Mathematics for Life: Are You Teaching Students What They Really Need?
Make a list of mathematical skills and concepts crucial to daily life in modern society. Does it match the content of your core mathematics requirement for liberal arts students? Sadly, most college professors answer "no." Moreover, even when course content does seem applicable to daily life, many students don't seem to see the importance. We can trace the roots of these problems to two simple facts: First, most liberal arts students are still thrown into courses that were originally designed to prepare students for further work in mathematics (such as college algebra or developmental courses), when in reality this will almost certainly be the last mathematics course they ever take. Second, most of the students in these required courses will self-identify themselves either as "math phobics" (they're afraid of math) or "math loathers" (they don't like math). Clearly, such predispositions are an impediment to teaching. Fortunately, the solution to both problems is equally simple, at least in principle: Create a course that focuses on concepts and skills that your students will actually use for the rest of their lives, and teach it in a way that shows them the context and relevance so clearly that they cannot help but become engaged. The particular course that I will describe, which I originally developed for the University of Colorado, fits both the AMATYC standards and MAA guidelines for quantitative reasoning. Note: This talk is updated and adapted from an article I co-authored in AMATYC Review.
Fees/Scheduling: Please contact Dr. Bennett if you are interested in this seminar. Notes: (1) Normally I require travel expenses and any standard departmental honorarium; however, in some cases I can pay my own way if the visit is linked to a potential adoption of one of my textbooks. (2) I appreciate efforts to maximize use of my time during my trips, such as by coordinating with a science department for my science seminar or setting up an evening public talk during my visit. (3) In some cases I may also be able to make a morning visit to a local elementary school to offer a presentation on Max Goes to the Moon.
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