Delta-K Volume 50 Issue 3

Journal of the Mathematics Council of the Alberta Teachers’ Association

Volume 50 Issue 3, June 2013

Looking back over the past 50 years has been an incredible journey for me. In this issue, I have included the entire second issue of the Math Council Newsletter (it was renamed delta-K in the 1970’s) because the articles seemed to represent much of what happened throughout the beginning years of the Math Council of the Alberta Teachers’ Association (MCATA). Pedagogical experimentation and risk taking were evident in the form of new teaching topics and approaches. I continue to be impressed by the vibrancy of MCATA over the years and am grateful for the leadership math teachers have shown in our province.

In compiling this issue, I am reminded of the importance of community, a common theme throughout the years. Whenever I select the conference photographs, I feel a bit like I’m “finding Waldo” as I try to see how many colleagues I know. The images remind me of the significance of learning together as we share common challenges and teaching highlights with one another. I have included photographs of many award winners; missing are those for the 2012 Friends of MCATA who have served on the executive and made great contributions to our community; namely, Christine Henzel, Shauna Rebus and Christopher Smith.

The feature articles and teaching ideas in this issue continue traditions of pedagogical innovation and insight into mathematics education. I encourage you to become part of the next 50 years by contributing your ideas to our publication. It is through this sharing with our community that we remain vibrant. I hope you enjoy this collection of readings.

Gladys Sterenberg

Front Matter

From the Editor’s Desk

Gladys Sterenberg

3 – 7

Conference 2012

New Book Announcement: Selected Writings from the Journal of the Mathematics Council of the Alberta Teachers’ Association: Celebrating 50 years (1962-2012) of delta-K

Edited by Egan J Chernoff & Gladys Sterenberg

9 – 22

Second Issue of the Mathematics Council Newsletter (April 1962)

An Induction Proof of the Factorization of a^n-b^n

Ron Persky