Asia-Pacific Mathematics and Science Education Collaborative

Mission

The Asia-Pacific Mathematics and Science Education Collaborative (AP•MSEC) at DePaul University exists to catalyze systemic improvement in mathematics and science education in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies.

Current AP•MSEC Projects & Initiatives

Colloquium Series for 2008 - 2009

August 10 - 14, 2009: Lesson Study Summer Institute

Research

Faculty and staff of AP•MSEC seek out promising ideas and practices in mathematics and science education, publish articles, give presentations, and provide leadership to others who wish to investigate fundamental issues of teaching and learning. AP•MSEC sponsors visiting distinguished mathematics education scholars from APEC member economies to provide lectures, lead seminars, and teach courses on relevant issues in mathematics and science teaching and learning.

Curriculum and Program Design

International studies of mathematics and science education have generated significant insights into the characteristics of effective curriculum and educational practices. AP•MSEC draws on this research base to assist educators with re-thinking curriculum and programs.

Professional Development

A major focus of our professional development work is lesson study. Lesson study has been credited as the engine for steady, long-term improvement in Japanese education; it is the primary form of professional development in Japan and is being adopted by educators around the world.

AP•MSEC supports educators who are interested in lesson study through four activities: 1) an annual Lesson Study Conference, usually held in May at DePaul University in Chicago, which provides an opportunity to learn about lesson study and to observe two or more research lessons; 2) a five-day Lesson Study Summer Institute, usually held in August at DePaul, which provides intensive training and enables teacher teams to complete a research lesson plan; 3) follow-up support during the school year to participants in the Summer Institute; and 4) regular meetings of the Chicago Lesson Study Group.

AP•MSEC professional development work assists schools across the U.S. and overseas. Through our partnership with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Human Development Working Group, AP•MSEC provides support to APEC member economies and beyond. One face of that support is our contributions to the APEC Wiki Web Site, Classroom Innovations through Lesson Study.

Staff

	Akihiko Takahashi, Director is an Associate Professor of Mathematics Education. He teaches mathematics teaching and mathematics for prospective teachers and provides workshops and seminars for practicing teachers using ideas from the U.S. and Asian countries. He was an elementary teacher in Japan before becoming an educator of mathematics teachers. During his elementary teaching career, he was nationally active in mathematics lesson study and mentored 200 pre-service teachers. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; his dissertation research focused on internet use in mathematics education.
	Thomas McDougal, Associate Director/ Mathematics taught high school mathematics and worked as an elementary math coordinator in the Chicago Public Schools.
	Steven Rogg, Associate Director/Science in an Associate Professor of Science Education. He has directed large-scale professional development and research initiatives for the systemic reform of mathematics and science education.
	Heather Brown, Professional Development Coordinator currently teaches high school mathematics at Mundelein High School and directs the Chicago Lesson Study Group.

Tel. (+1) (773) 325-4155
Fax (+1) (773) 325-7748

Mailing address: School of Education, 2320 N. Kenmore, Chicago, IL 60614-3250

Building address: 2400 N. Sheffield, Suite 100