Contact Information

Texas State University
Professor of Mathematics

mw07@txstate.edu
http://www.math.txstate.edu/people/faculty/warshauer-m.html
San Marcos TX 78666

Biography

Max Warshauer, Director : Mathworks : Texas State University

Professor Warshauer received his Ph.D. from Louisiana State University in 1979. He has worked on research in number theory, computer science, analysis of algorithms, and mathematics education. He founded Mathworks as a center for mathematics education in 1990, with three pillars being summer mathematics programs, curriculum development, and teacher training.  His current research interest is focused on research and development of mathematics education research projects in each of these areas, and building a strong research group that supports related research projects described below.

The Junior Summer Math Camp (JSMC) for middle school students prepares students for algebra and higher level mathematics, while introducing a rich curriculum including problem solving and contest mathematics.  A team of students from the JSMC competes each year in the Primary Math World Contest in Hong Kong.  The JSMC includes both commuter students and a residential program, with students from throughout Texas as well as other countries attending each year.  The Honors Summer Math Camp (HSMC) for high school students is a 6 week residential program with 60 students and 15 counselors.  Students learn to think deeply of simple things, following the Ross Model from Ohio State.  Courses include Number Theory, an Honors Seminar, Mathematica programming, Combinatorics, Analysis and Abstract Algebra.  Advanced students work with mentors on research projects that are submitted to the Siemens Competition. Research projects about these programs include studying the impact of out-of-school programs on selected populations, and using the camps as a laboratory to develop new ideas in teaching and learning mathematics. Future research projects include using the international connections of Mathworks to study and compare best practices with programs in other countries.

In curriculum development, Dr. Warshauer has worked with his colleagues to develop a middle school curriculum, Math Explorations (ME), that is now state adopted in Texas.  ME is unique in that it weaves in algebraic concepts and algebra throughout.  An associated teacher training program introduces pre-service and in-service curriculum to the curriculum and how to teach it effectively.  Research projects include studying the fidelity of the curriculum implementation, developing the critical elements of success for schools that use ME, studying teacher mathematical knowledge for teaching, and developing videos to enhance teacher training. Projects related to using technology to support learning mathematics that could be used along with the curriculum is an exciting new area for further research and development.

[REF: http://www.txstate.edu/mathworks/max-webpage.html ]