Enhancing Problem Solving Through Math Clubs

This action research paper was about a mandatory math club of seventh graders that met once per week over a 12-week period. The students gathered in the classroom during their regularly scheduled math class. The focus of the math club was to solve challenging math problems, usually cooperatively, and sometimes competitively. The math club activities varied from week to week to offer an element of surprise. Frequently, the students presented their solutions to peers, along with an explanation of the way they solved the problem. Instruments were used to collect information about problem-solving accuracy, student attitudes, and student and teacher behaviors. I discovered a slight improvement in problem solving. Also, on Math Club days, the teaching was less teacher-centered and more student-centered. As a result of this research, I plan to offer my middle school students more problem-solving opportunities and I plan to allow my students to work cooperatively on a regular basis.

Football Pregame

Good afternoon! I am John Owens, and it is my good fortune to be Vice President and Vice Chancellor of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Chancellor Harvey Perlman certainly regrets that he cannot be present at today’s pregame reception. His daughter is being recognized at Ak-Sar-Ben in Omaha, and he’s celebrating this very special occasion with his family. And speaking of family, I would like to introduce my wife, Dr. Virginia Owens. This probably is the right time for me to confess that both Virginia and I are graduates of Texas Tech. Now, we want everyone to know that “alumni loyalty” can go just so far… and we always cheer for the Huskers!