Breakout Presentations

Presenter Abstracts and Breakout Session Bios:

Dr.  Nabb/Abstract: This session will examine 25+ interesting calculus questions—some still unanswered—that students/colleagues have proposed over 20 years of teaching. Questions originated from hunches and curiosities. Solution attempts opened many doors, including deep connections to different content areas and research investigations. These questions resurface time and again in Calculus instruction.

Dr. Mulholland /Abstract: In this session, we will explore how math educators can reimagine assessment and classroom structures to empower students as active participants in their own learning. Drawing on Self-Determination Theory, we highlight the psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness as foundational for motivation and well-being. Three evidence-based approaches—mastery-based grading, project-based learning, and contract/ungrading—are examined through classroom examples and research from the University of Notre Dame. The talk offers practical strategies for transforming assessment practices and fostering inclusive, student-centered math communities.

 Julie Gunkelman is a mathematics faculty member at Oakland Community College’s Orchard Ridge Campus.  She earned her Master of Arts in Mathematics from Eastern Michigan University and her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics at Michigan State University.  Julie  uses a variety of instructional techniques to create an active learning environment in her classes.   

Julie was awarded the MichMATYC Teaching Excellence Award in 2014 and was a finalist for the Faculty Innovation Award from the American Association of Community Colleges in 2018.  Julie served as the Professional Development Coordinator of AMATYC from 2016 through 2018.  Julie is currently the MichMATYC Webmaster and the Assistant Program Coordinator of AMATYC.  

Abstract:  This session will be dedicated to exploring the Desmos Mobile App on your smartphone.  Participants will learn how to leverage the app’s capabilities to enhance student learning in their classes and utilize the Desmos Test App to use for an exam instead of a traditional graphing calculator.  Please make sure your smartphone is charged for this session so you can participate. 

Katy Shields received her master's in mathematics from Eastern Michigan University in 2012.  She has been teaching full time at Schoolcraft College since 2020 (that was a fun year to start).  Prior to that she taught as an adjunct at Oakland Community College, Mott Community College, Eastern Michigan University and University of Detroit Mercy.    She is course facilitator for the Quantitative Reasoning co-req at Schoolcraft and also teaches upper-level classes to remember what is like to work with students who like mathematics. 

Abstract: A selection  of mental math tricks and methods.    Session will include handouts and opportunities for attendees to attempt the methods presented. 

Lisa Fellows is a faculty math instructor for Jackson College working mostly with statistics and occasionally algebra.  Most of her work is done inside correctional facilities and she is passionate about teaching in prisons.  She is also an avid reader, crazy plant lady, and recovering math hater! 

Abstract: A discussion on a pilot program to offer co req math classes inside prisons.  This session will cover the rationale for the pilot, data on the results, and reflections on the process. Questions are welcomed! 

Dr. Gerry Cox has taught mathematics at Lake Michigan College for 50 years.  Over the years, he has presented more than 50 papers at local, state, and national conferences. 

Abstract One:  Various proofs of the Pythagorean Theorem will be presented.  Included will be a proof by Ann Condit, a 16-year-old high school student from South Bend, Indiana, circa 1938.   Among the proofs covered will also be a proof by Einstein that he derived when he was 12. 

Abstract Two:  A special case of e=mc^2 will be shown.  The relativity of mass and time in a moving object will also be proven.