Building mathematical intuition with online MathBench Biology Modules

Have you tried using online modules with mixed success? Or are you thinking about using online modules but wondering how best to incorporate them into your course? Apply now to join us for the Fall 2018 QUBES Faculty Mentoring Network (FMN): Building mathematical intuition with online MathBench biology modules.

Participants in this FMN will focus on how to integrate MathBench Biology Modules (mathbench.umd.edu) into undergraduate life sciences or mathematics courses.  Accepted applicants will adapt and implement MathBench modules in their courses. Faculty will participate in biweekly online sessions to collaborate with and learn from others in the network and receive mentoring from implementation experts. Based on their experiences, participants will create implementation guides and instructor resources that will be posted on QUBESHub as open educational resource publications.

Applications are due July 20. Please visit https://qubeshub.org/groups/mathbenchfmn for additional information and instructions on how to apply.

Space is limited, and the network is launching soon, so apply now!

Description:
QUBES (http://qubeshub.org) and MathBench (http://mathbench.umd.edu) are inviting applications for an upcoming Faculty Mentoring Network (FMN). FMNs are professional development opportunities where participants work collaboratively in online communities to discover new teaching materials, pedagogical techniques, and quantitative content.

The MathBench FMN is seeking faculty who are interested in exploring, adapting, and implementing online modules that integrate mathematical approaches into the life science curriculum. MathBench consists of 40+ modules that introduce and reinforce mathematical material in a way that is hands-on, accessible, and intuitive. They also supply interactive practice problems with hints and solutions. The modules are intentionally designed to build math intuition and reduce math anxiety.

Dates & Location:
The virtual kick-off will be held in mid-Sept. 2018 (date and time TBD). The FMN will continue online to support the adaptation and implementation of modules in your course during the Fall 2018 semester.

How to Apply:
Applications are due July 20. You can follow this link to view the application form. Accepted applicants will be notified by July 27. Space is limited; only 15 participants will be selected. We encourage participation from faculty at diverse institution types and serving diverse student populations.

Commitment and Benefits of Participation:
To qualify, participants must be willing to incorporate two or more online modules into their teaching during the Fall 2018 semester. Participants must also be able to commit ~1 hour per week for working with mentors and collaborating with other participants around the adaptation and implementation of the teaching materials. Additional time outside of these discussions may be required for independent work on adapting and reviewing modules. Participants will also create implementation guides and instructor resources that will be posted on QUBESHub as open educational resources publications.

• Access to modules and associated teaching resources (e.g., quizzes, summary sheets)
• Online support and peer mentoring throughout the process of implementing new materials via small group virtual meetings
• Access to implementation guides and instructor resources posted to QUBESHub

More Information and Questions:
Additional information about this faculty mentoring network is available at https://qubeshub.org/groups/mathbenchfmn.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact Nicole Chodkowski at nchodkowski “at” radford.edu or Kaci Thompson at kaci “at” umd.edu.