Four questions with Mara Markinson, Assistant Professor of Mathematics Education at Queens College

• What is special about your GeT course?

What is special about my GeT course is that it changes a bit each year. I am always editing the syllabus to reflect explorations into students’ questions and curiosities. Each time a student asks a question that goes outside of what was planned, I make time for them to figure out the answer, I find this approach, rather than a rigid set of course topics, to be much more engaging for my students and for me, and to give them a strong sense of ownership of their learning.

• In 2-3 sentences, describe your GeT course.

A typical day in my GeT course begins with a strong motivation which typically indicates a void in the students’ knowledge. Students then work in small groups to investigate and form conjectures about the questions of the day. We use resources such as GeoGebra and the Euclidean Tools to aid their exploration. After full-class discussion, definitions are formalized and students summarize their takeaways. I usually ask students to reflect on their learning and feelings, as I find this course transformative of their attitudes regarding teaching (and learning) geometry.

• Who are your students?

My students are primarily pre-service and in-service secondary mathematics teachers in New York State. They are diverse, creative, and inspiring individuals who each have unique backgrounds. They are motivated to become the best possible mathematics teachers so that they can serve their students in the most impactful ways.

• What are you most interested in learning/achieving through participating with the GeT: A Pencil community?

I plan to contribute to the community as much as possible by framing my course with the SLOs and sharing what ensues in my classroom as a result. I am hopeful that my continued participation in the GeT community will continue to provide new ideas for my GeT course and facilitate my involvement in research about the teaching and learning of secondary geometry. 

• What is your favorite book you have read in the last few years?

The Day the World Came to Town by Jim DeFede