Psychology of Math Learning

  Before we get started in the class, I wanted to run through some of the basics about P2PU classes in general and the structure of this class in particular.  Here are some of the fundamental things you need to know for this class, listed in no particular order.  If I've left something out, just comment on this thread.  Also, since this is my first attempt at a P2PU class, I reserve the right to change the format or tools if we discover things aren't working.  But we'll be figuring these things out together!

• Perhaps the most important thing to realize is that this activity is more like a discussion group than a traditional class.  The “peer to peer” philosophy is that we all have wisdom, ideas, and experience to contribute that will enrich the entire group.  I may have set up the schedule and assignments (which are open to change if the group has other preferences), but I certainly don’t have the answers.
• Therefore, because we are all co-leading the class together, each person’s participation is important.  Please do not sign up for the class unless you have time to complete the assignments and post them as directed.  Also, please check the forums occasionally to post a question or insight you may have, or to respond to the postings of other.  
• One of the things that makes P2PU a fascinating educational experience is the fact that it is an international group.  This particular class has members from North America, the Middle East, and Asia (that I know of so far).  While this provides a rich experience, it creates logistical problems in terms of scheduling.  Therefore, most of the class will take place via the website and forums so that the information will be available asynchronously 24 hours a day.  There will be one weekly one-hour “live” discussion using the Elluminate platform that will be (selfishly) scheduled to accommodate the North American schedule; however, it will be taped and available for those who miss it in real time to listen to at their convenience.  Please make an effort to either attend that session online or to review it afterwards.
• While I don’t expect this to be an issue based on your opening essays, I have to say that respect must be the hallmark of our interactions with each other.  We are coming to this group with different backgrounds and levels of preparation, but each person’s input is valued.  I particularly commend those of you from whom English is a second language, because I couldn’t even try to keep up with this class in a different language.  People will be sharing honestly about their areas of difficulty and frustration with math, and we should honor that honesty by sympathizing with, not mocking, those difficulties.  Again, I don’t anticipate any problems, but I did want to have a statement in writing about these values.
• All content that is developed in this course falls under a Creative Commons copyright.  That means that no one--not I, nor other students, nor other visitors coming to this site--are allowed to take what has been created and charge people money for seeing or using it.  People are allowed to freely distribute, alter, edit, amend, or make related works off all this information as long as whatever they do still operates under a Creative Commons copyright (meaning it, too, is freely available).  This is an underlying principle of the entire P2PU system, and applies to all of their classes.

Anything that I missed?  Just respond to this thread--

Thanks,

Carol