2 math experts to teach teachers

Saturday, June 09, 2007

2 math experts to teach teachers

By Jonathan Hicap , Reporter http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/june/09/yehey/top_stories/20070609top9.html TWO world-renowned mathematicians will be arriving in the country to train Filipino math teachers and enhance their skills through innovative approaches. The Mathematics Trainers' Guild-Philippines (MTG) said Dr. Andy Liu, a professor at the Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences of the University of Alberta in Canada, and Professor Wen-Hsien Sun of the Chiu Chang Mathematics Education Foundation in Taiwan would be conducting workshops on "Enhancing Competencies in Teaching Mathematics through Innovative Approaches." The seminar-workshop will be held at St. Jude Catholic School for Metro Manila participants on June 14; Colegio San Agustin in Biñan, Laguna, on June 15 for participants from Laguna and nearby provinces; and Bayanihan Tarlac Institute on June 16 for participants from Tarlac and nearby areas. Liu and Sun will also train Filipino students that will compete in international math competitions that are scheduled this year in Singapore, Hong Kong and China. Liu has won many awards for his university teaching and work in mathematics education. He is the recipient of the MAA Tepper Haimo Teaching Award, Adrien Pouliot award from the Canadian Mathematics Society, 3M Teaching Fellowship, the outstanding Educator Award of the Ontario Institute for the Study of Education and was the CASE/CCAE Canadian University Professor of the Year. In 2003, Liu led the Canadian team in winning in the International Mathematics Olympiad held in Japan. Sun was the recipient of the prestigious Paul Erdos Award for mathematics in 2002 given by the World Federation of National Mathematics Competitions (WFNMC). MTG President Dr. Simon Chua, a Filipino, won the award last year. Sun is credited for introducing the International Mathematics Olympiad to Taiwanese students. He has trained students participating in IMO competitions. His foundation supports local activities and puzzle competitions. More information on the seminar-workshop is available from Rechilda Villame at 0917-8105009; Elmer Apistar at 0920-4339224; or Engineer Edgardo Domingo at 0917-5148789.