UH-West Oahu Opens New Math Center, Spring 2008University of Hawaiʻi-West Oʻahu
Public Information Officer
Beginning in Spring 2008, UH-West Oʻahu will open a new undergraduate Math Center. In addition to assistance with class assignments, student math tutors and tutees will work together on real-world mathematics applications involving the internationally renowned sailing vessel, the Hokuleʻa. In collaboration with the Polynesian Voyaging Society and other community organizations, the teams will present projects at the end of the semester. Examples of project topics include investigating navigation calculations with geometric properties, analyzing the relationship between math and the environment, and determining the mathematical seafaring methods that brought the ancient Pacific Islanders to the Hawaiian Islands.
The new Math Center is funded by the Islands of Opportunity Allliance-Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (IOA-LSAMP) program and aims to enhance the student experience at UH West Oʻahu through a culturally-sensitive mathematics curriculum. The IOA-LSAMP program is funded by the National Science Foundation.
Working collaboratively with institutions throughout Hawaii and the Pacific, the IOA-LSAMP Program seeks to increase the overall number of underrepresented students receiving bachelor's degrees in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math.
Drawing on the strength of UH West Oʻahu's diverse student body, the Math Center will be staffed with undergraduate tutors, each partnered with students enrolled in Math 100 (Survey of Mathematics) and Math 103 (College Algebra) classes.
"The peer-to-peer learning experience is very effective," says UH-West Oʻahu Assistant Professor of Mathematics, Dr. Linda Furuto. "The Math Center will foster an indispensable environment where diverse students will learn to think critically, receive tutoring support and gain valuable job skills for future employment."
The Math Center will be located in Building B Room 108 until a permanent location is confirmed.
For more information, visit: http://www.uhwo.hawaii.edu