DSU Receives $400,000 NSF Grant for Mathematics Initiative
The National Science Foundation has awarded DSU a $400,000 Targeted Infusion grant in support of the Cyber Infused Mathematics Initiative (CIMI).
The three-year grant will be used to redesign the teaching and learning environments in introductory mathematics courses. Faculty members in the Department of Mathematical Sciences will partner with colleagues in the STEM fields to create active learning classrooms infused with online mastery learning. The initiative will focus on student-centered instruction in technologically equipped classrooms. Students will also be supported by trained supplemental instruction (SI) leaders in class and in SI sessions.
The initiative is also designed to establish a foundation for sustained professional development that utilizes inquiry and collaboration, as well as to develop a cadre of interdisciplinary faculty committed to implementing best practices in mathematics teaching.
The goals of the initiative are to transform mathematics instruction at DSU, to improve students’ learning outcomes and engagement with STEM topics, and to reduce the number of non-credit bearing mathematics classes offered at the university.
“The CIMI team will introduce various instructional strategies in the preliminary mathematics courses. These strategies are intended to increase student understanding of mathematics and its applications. In the long run, we hope to contribute to an increase in retention and graduation rates at Delaware State University,” said Dr. Nicola Edwards-Omolewa, interim chair of the Department of Mathematical Sciences and the principal investigator of the grant.
Co-principal investigators include Dr. Delayne Y. Johnson, assistant professor of the Department of Mathematical Sciences; Dr. Rebecca Fox-Lykens, director of the Center for Teaching and Learning; and Dr. Sharon Smith, director of the Quantitative Reasoning Center and Integrated Academic Support Services. Ms. Anna Cortese, Tutorial and Supplemental Instruction Coordinator, serves as senior personnel on the project.