TITLE: Equity & Power Dynamics in a Student-Centered Classroom

Presenter:  Dr. Geillan Aly, the Founder of Compassionate Math

Abstract: The prevailing impression of student-centered classes is that they are a more equitable space for students to learn, with gender and racial dynamics seeming to be a non-issue for student outcomes. However, there is research to indicate that this may not be the case; not all student-centered activities eliminate or reduce differences between marginalized and non-marginalized groups. In this talk, we will explore how power dynamics and mapping implicit biases can be used as a framework to create or troubleshoot student-centered classroom activities to ensure a more equitable outcome. We will specifically explore how structuring the power dynamics inherent in any activity can provide more equitable interactions between students, providing a space for all students to participate and thrive. Participants will have an opportunity to apply this framework to their current practices and as such, they are invited to bring plans and materials for a student-centered lesson which they would like to modify to ensure more equitable student participation.

Bio: Dr. Geillan Aly, the Founder of Compassionate Math, is a math educator who centers the socioemotional factors that contribute to success in mathematics. She holds the fundamental assumption that learning math is both an emotional and cognitive endeavor. A former award-winning Assistant Professor who has taught for over fifteen years, Dr. Aly transforms math classrooms through engaging professional development and student-focused workshops that center emotions while establishing a culture of engaging with rigorous mathematics. She received her PhD in Teaching and Teacher Education and Master's in Mathematics from the University of Arizona. Underlying Dr. Aly's work is a dedication to equity and social justice. She enjoys traveling and seeing live music and is an avid chef, wife, and mother to a beautiful boy.

NOTE: All NES Section NExT Fellows qualify for free meals throughout the conference. This includes the Section NExT lunch on Friday, the banquet on Friday night, and lunch on Saturday of the conference. If, in addition, as an NES Section NExT fellow, you are giving a contributed talk, your registration fee to the conference is also $0. If you qualify as an NES Section NExT Fellow, please sign up for meals at the Section NExT Fellow ($0) rate. If you are also planning to give a talk, do the same for the registration fee portion of the form (Section NExT Fellow giving talk $0). More details on NES MAA Section NExT Fellows can be found at:  www.northeastern.maa.org/section-next.