THE MATHEMATICS EDUCATION CENTER

The Mathematics Education Center is located in the Graduate School of Education in the College of Education and Human Development at George Mason University, Fairfax, VA. The Mathematics Education Center conducts research, provides professional development, and designs instructional materials to support mathematics teaching and learning. While all three initiatives are important to the Center's goals, research has primary importance. Members of the faculty have expertise in K-16 mathematics education, representation theory, instructional technology, and design-based research. One unique focus of the Center's research is the study of mathematical representations including physical and virtual manipulatives. Since its inception in 2003, the Mathematics Education Center has had strong research and public service components supported and sustained by external funding sources.

The Mathematics Education Center works in collaboration with the Mathematics Education Leadership programs at George Mason University to support the scholarly research and professional development of Ph.D. and Master's level graduate students enrolled in the programs. Dr. Margret Hjalmarson joined the faculty in 2004 and is currently the Center's Director. Dr. Jennifer Suh joined the Mathematics Education Center faculty in Fall 2006 and is Assistant Director. Dr. Patricia Moyer-Packenham founded the Mathematics Education Center

One important function of the Center is to attract and provide research opportunities for students interested in advanced degrees in Mathematics Education, Instructional Technology, and Educational Research. The Center's research activity serves as a laboratory where advanced graduate students enrolled in GMU programs participate in the ongoing research of the faculty. Students learn first-hand how to conduct educational research by participating in study design, instrument development, data collection, data analysis, manuscript preparation, and research presentations.

The Mathematics Education Center maintains a web page linked to the university's website and to the CEHD and GSE web pages. The web page serves as an information source that provides descriptions of current activities in the Center. The Center publishes a bi-annual newsletter called "Center News" which describes the work of the Center and highlights the activities of faculty, students, and alumni in the Mathematics Education programs in CEHD. Center newsletters are archived on the Center's webpage with easy access for consumers. These newsletters serve as an information tool for local constituents and prospective faculty who are interested in the mathematics education work being conducted at George Mason University. The Center's web page is located at: http://gse.gmu.edu/cscvm.