Schedule of Events

Friday Schedule - October 10

Roundtable Discussion: Math Reform & Community College Admissions

Through this discussion, our Friday workshop will explore the state of mathematics education at two year colleges in Michigan. That is, "what it was before, what it is now, why it matters, and what might it be like in the coming years". Looking at potential implications for policy and practice, we will explore building a collaborative approach as an organization toward meaningful change in teaching and learning of mathematics in the state.

Your insights will contribute to the ongoing Reconnect Mathematics Pathways (RMP) project led by Kellogg Community College. 

The session will be facilitated by Professor David Tannor of Kellogg Community College.

Following the discussion, we invite you to relax, reconnect, and network over dinner at the Wood Fire Trattoria, a renowned Dowagiac restaurant in the heart of our charming downtown area!

3:00 -  5:00 PM Workshop to be held on the SMC Dowagiac Campus,  Wood Building Room 481

          5:30 -  8:00 PM Drinks (on your own)  followed by  dinner at the Wood Fire Trattoria.

Saturday Schedule - October 11
All meetings will be held at the Dowagiac campus of SMC. 

See the campus map page for more details.

  8:00 - 8:40 AM Breakfast & Registration

  8:40 - 8:50 AM Conference Welcome:  Interim President Brent Brewer

  8:50 - 9:00 AM Restroom Break

  9:00 - 9:50 AM Keynote Speaker:  Dr.  Keith Nabb

10:00-10:50 AM Breakout Session #1 

11:00 - 11:50 PM Breakout Session #2

12:00 - 1:00 PM Lunch and Business Meeting 

   1:00 - 1:50 PM Lunch Speaker:  Dr. Brian Mulholland

  2:00 - 2:50 PM Breakout Session #3 

  2:50 - 3:15 PM               Coffee Bar provided by Baker's Rhapsody- A local favorite!

  3:15 - 3:50 PM         Breakout Session #4 

  4:00- 4:30 PM Closing and prize drawing

*We will be serving a full, hot breaksfast beginning at 8:00 AM in The Dale A Lyons Conference Center.  A yogurt bar will also be included, so come hungry.  There will be something for everyone!

*Lunch will be catered by Tienda y Taqueria Del Ray, which is a local favorite restaurant in Dowagiac.  They will be serving a taco bar with all the fixings.  It is muy delicioso!

Friday Workshop Discussion

Professor  David Tannor

Professor of Mathematics 

Kellogg Community College

Mathematics Education at Michigan Two-Year Colleges Abstract

Over the past few years, two-year college mathematics education has undergone significant transformation. Our Friday workshop will provide a space for thoughtful discussion as we examine the current landscape of math education at Michigan's two-year institutions—where it’s been, where it stands today, why it matters, and where it may be headed.

Together, we’ll consider the implications of these changes for both policy and classroom practice. Through collaborative dialogue, we aim to identify opportunities for collective action that support meaningful, lasting improvements in the teaching and learning of mathematics across the state.

Morning Keynote Address

Dr. Keith Nabb

Professor of Mathematics

Piedmont Virginia  Community College, Charlottesville VA

The Active Learning Imperative: A Small Change with a Big Impact 

With increasing clarity, it is evident that active learning strategies lead to better student outcomes. In this session, you will experience 10 active strategies that are easy to import into your classroom—Number Talks, Chain Notes, Frayer Model, Open Middle, Four Corners, Give an Example, and many more. Students should be thinking, sharing, and moving as they learn. So should you!

Lunch Keynote Address

Dr. Brian Mulholland

Assistant Teaching Professor of the Practice

The University of Notre Dame

Reclaiming Learning: Student-Centered Math Pedagogy

This session invites math educators to rethink assessment and classroom structures in ways that empower students as active, engaged learners. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory, the talk explores how fostering autonomy, competence, and relatedness can enhance motivation, well-being, and academic success. Through classroom examples and research from the University of Notre Dame, we’ll examine three evidence-based practices—mastery-based grading, project-based learning, and contract/ungrading—that support these psychological needs. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to transform assessment and cultivate inclusive, student-centered mathematics learning environments.

Reclaiming Learning: Student-Centered Math Pedagogy

Brian Mulholland: https://math.nd.edu/people/faculty/brian-mulholland/

Abstract:

In this talk, we 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.