New biology graduate program gives teachers the right tools
A new graduate program-a master of science degree in biology with a concentration in biology science education-will provide classroom biology teachers with the tools they need "to meet the challenges of improving scientific literacy in today's increasingly technological world," according to Bonnie Lustigman, chair of Biology and Molecular Biology.
"For more than 20 years, Montclair State University has awarded master's degrees in biology designed to satisfy the needs of a broad range of students," Lustigman said. "In recent years, we have come to realize that the needs of classroom teachers are specialized. Our new program addresses those needs: It will integrate biology content, science education, technology skills and pedagogy to enable teachers to address the challenges of science education for the rapidly advancing modern world."
The new program, which was approved by the Board of Trustees last month, begins in the fall. "This is the Biology Department's response to the need of the community for biology teachers with an understanding of the new goals of science literacy and to requests by students interested in pursuing a master's degree in biology, which would address the critical needs of science educators," Lustigman said.
In addition to core courses common to all graduate biology programs, the new concentration will draw on the expertise of faculty in the College of Education and Human Services for additional coursework in pedagogy. Among the courses to be offered are Teaching Biology in the Secondary Schools, Advanced Biological Science Education Pedagogy, Principles of Curriculum and Development and Critical Thinking and Learning.
"The integration of biology content with pedagogy in context will provide for an outstanding program for teaching practitioners," said Vaughn Vandegrift, dean of the College of Science and Mathematics. "I am pleased at the faculty's response to meeting this need."
This new concentration provides a venue for biology teachers to integrate global reforms formally and systematically into their local practice. "Just as traditional biologists use laboratories and naturalistic settings for conducting research, teachers in this program will be encouraged to use model and actual classrooms for investigating issues related to biology pedagogy," said Ann Kindfield of Biology.
Lustigman said plans are to admit up to 10 students into the program the first year and to increase that number to approximately 20 to 25 students over the next five years. "The new concentration will be extremely appealing to graduate students who are practicing biology educators in New Jersey and to those biology majors who may wish to obtain a master's degree prior to beginning their teaching careers," Lustigman said. "Most school systems in New Jersey provide incentives for teachers who achieve advanced degrees and some have reimbursement plans as well."
At Montclair State, students can prepare for a biology career, graduate work, or professional programs in medicine, dentistry, medical technology, physical therapy, veterinary medicine, pharmacy and other fields related to biology, by taking the major requirements with a proper selection of electives. Students can obtain certification to teach biology by completing the professional sequence. A minor in biology is also available.
The 1998-99 wrestling team will look to do what no other team has done in the University's history-win three national titles.
The Red Hawks, who have won two national wrestling championships ('76, '86), will try to make it three this weekend when head coach Steve Strellner takes six wrestlers to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Wrestling Championships at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ).
Strellner saw six of his wrestlers qualify for the national tournament when the team won the 1999 Metropolitan Wrestling Tournament Feb. 20, with five wrestlers claiming individual crowns and a sixth being selected as a "wild card" invitation. MSU scored 175 team points, outdistancing the host school, TCNJ, by 16 points. The last time MSU took as many as six wrestlers to the national tournament was in 1986 when it won the national title.
"We've got a good shot at it," said Strellner, a 22-year veteran head coach. "If all six wrestle to their potential, anything can happen. I'm just proud of the way we prepared to get to this point in the season."
Leading MSU's group of six will be last year's individual champion at 141 pounds, sophomore Florian Ghinea, who has compiled a record of 30-1 this year and has a 65-2 career mark. He won his first national individual title last season at 134 pounds, and this year will try to capture the 141 weight class. Teammate sophomore Dominic Dellagatta, at 157 pounds, was named the Metropolitan Tournament's Most Valuable Player and has a season record of 29-2 this year. Ghinea is ranked number one in the nation, and Dellagatta number two.
The other four wrestlers representing Montclair State will be sophomore Rami Ratel at 165 pounds, junior Peter Rapps at 174, senior Todd Going at 197, and heavyweight senior Barrett Cervetto.
Daily results and highlights can be heard by calling the Red Hawk Sports Hotline at 7645.
Pat Kenschaft
professor, Mathematical Sciences
"...there's a misconception afoot that math consists only of computations. Computation is to mathematics what spelling is to literature. If we just taught spelling, children would not get an appreciation of Shakespeare-or even of Charlotte's Web."
Math is responsible for more anxiety than the New Jersey Turnpike at rush hour. Patricia Kenschaft of Mathematical Sciences believes math has gotten a bad rap and feels a tremendous calling to tell the world how immensely satisfying and interesting it can be. She's even gone so far to say math can be a direct route to God.
Kenschaft blames the system, which she says sends teachers into the classrooms unprepared to teach math. She says it's up to parents to develop a love of math in their children at home. Her book, Math Power: How to Help Your Children Love Math, Even If You Don't, published by Perseus, takes the drill out of math by revealing Kenschaft's concepts of how to teach modern ways of communicating the subject. And speaking of communication, when she's not standing in front of a blackboard teaching math she's sitting behind a microphone spreading the good news via her own math radio show, "Math Medley."
INSIGHT: How does your book take a different approach to math?
Kenschaft: New Jersey doesn't require elementary school teachers to know any math, and the state doesn't enforce the standards for teaching high school math. Teachers have chosen the field of education because they love children, which is the right reason. But teachers, too, have been let down by the system so they're not prepared to go out and inspire children. That's why it's important for parents to give their children good beginnings. This is the first book by a mathematician for parents. I believe any child can learn mathematics, but the teachers and parents haven't been prepared to teach them how to enjoy it. Worse than that, there's a misconception afoot that math consists only of computations. Computation is to mathematics what spelling is to literature. If we just taught spelling, children would not get an appreciation of Shakespeare-or even of Charlotte's Web.
INSIGHT: How do you make math enjoyable?
Kenschaft: On two levels. First, it's important to ask a child, "What makes you think that? How would you explain that? Can you do it another way?" Listen carefully to the child, whether the answer is right or wrong. Understanding is basic. It's the theme of how you teach math effectively to preschoolers and to graduate students.Then there are ways to integrate math into daily living, and lots of games that I grew up with. Often children are damaged by the time they're 10 years old and it's difficult to retrieve them after that.
INSIGHT: What do Montclair State alumni have to say about their choice to major in math?
Kenschaft: According to a recent survey of our alumni, most are exceedingly glad they majored in math. Of the 455 math majors who responded, 95 percent said they enjoy their work. More than 80 percent of the respondents said they enjoy their math career "very much" or "enormously." The retired alumni who responded all look back on gratifying careers. The only regret came from a journalist who said other classes would have been more useful. However, other journalists who were math majors responded that math was a distinctive thing that enabled them to be journalists in a way that others couldn't.
INSIGHT: Does having a math major open more career opportunities?
Kenschaft: Career Services told me they receive a lot of calls for math majors. Employers in the market for a person who knows how to think look with favor upon the math major. One of our alumni said having a math major advertises you as being reasonably smart.
Some have strayed from math, including an alum who became a nun with a law degree, and four other alumni who became clergy.
INSIGHT: How is math a direct route to God?
Kenschaft: Thinking about math is a process similar to praying. You're introspecting and going directly to the spiritual. Mine is the only math book I know that contains a segment on prayer. My daily life is just wonderful. The causal connection to math is interesting, and I often ask, "Is it that only people who enjoy life can stay with the discipline of a math major or is math just an excellent foundation for satisfying careers?" I believe it is some of both but primarily the latter.
Monday, March 1: Flag raising and proclamation reading. Noon, Student Center Quad. "The Legacy of Seneca Falls" by Gloria Pierce of Counseling, Human Development and Educational Leadership. 1 p.m., Dickson Hall, Room 178.
Tuesday, March 2: "Women in Sports Media: A Roundtable Discussion" featuring Suzyn Waldman of WFAN; Deb Kaufman of MSG Network; and Lisa Olson of the NY Daily News. Noon, Yogi Berra Museum. Tickets: $4/$2 for students. Seating is limited. For reservations, call 2377. "A Writing Mother: The Works and Thoughts of Gish Jen" by Gish Jen, author of two critically acclaimed novels, Typical American and Mona in the Promised Land. 2 p.m., Dickson Hall, Room 178.
Wednesday, March 3: "Drawing Conclusions: Editorial Cartoonists Consider Hillary Rodham Clinton" by Elaine Miller of SUNY-Brockport. 1 p.m., Student Center, Room 417.
Thursday, March 4: Women of MSU luncheon featuring President Susan A. Cole. Cost, $13. Reservations required. Call Pat Sanders at 7144. Noon, Student Center Ballrooms. Friday, March 5: Anjani's Kathak Dance of India. For tickets, call the Box Office at 5112. Sponsored by Great Events. 7:30 p.m., Memorial Auditorium.
Sunday, March 14: "Cherish the Ladies." For tickets, call the Box Office at 5112. Sponsored by Great Events. 7:30 p.m., Memorial Auditorium.
Tuesday, March 16: "Not Guilty: The Good News About Working Mothers" by author Betty Holcomb. 2 p.m., Dickson Hall, Room 178.
Wednesday, March 17: "Safe and Gender Equitable Schools" by Joanne Cote-Bonanno of Human Ecology. Noon, Student Center, Room 417. President's Reception and Presentation of Achievement Awards. 2 p.m., Dickson Hall, Room 178.
Friday, March 19: Bus trip to New York to see "Electra." For information, call the Box Office at 5112.
Tuesday, March 23 (Latina Day): "Plotting Against Patriarchy: Poems and Other Inspirations" by Latina poet Mariposa. 11 a.m., Dickson Hall, Room 178. Entre Nosotras. Pot luck lunch and roundtable discussion with Latina students, faculty and staff. For information, call Carmen Reyes-Cuevas at 7006. 12:30 p.m., Dickson Hall, Room 178. "Diversity in Women's Athletics," a panel discussion featuring Delores Todd, assistant commissioner of the Atlantic Coast Conference; and Deatrix Chambers, MSU's assistant director of Sports Information. Moderated by MSU acting Athletic Director Holly Gera. 6:30 p.m., Dickson Hall, Room 177.
Wednesday, March 24: "Inequality and Violence in the United States: Gender Issues" by Barbara Chasin of Sociology. Noon, Student Center, Room 417.
Friday, March 26-Saturday, March 27: Women's Softball Tournament. For information, call Athletics at 5234.
The United States Congress and the State of New Jersey traditionally have designated March as Women's History Month. Montclair State University joins in this tribute and celebration by acknowledging the many accomplishments that women of diverse racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds have made in our society.
Women have a very rich and inspiring history in our country. They have been in the forefront of social movements for women's suffrage and civil rights, and they have played an extraordinary role in our social, cultural and intellectual development. Nevertheless, the struggle continues as women seek full equality in the workplace, in the public sphere and in their economic lives.
At Montclair State University, women have provided our campus community with invaluable leadership and intellectual achievements. During this month, we make special efforts to inform ourselves and others about the history of women's struggle for equal rights, and we reaffirm our commitment to provide them with equal educational and employment opportunities.
Now, therefore, I, Susan A. Cole, president of Montclair State University, hereby proclaim the month of March 1999 as Women's History Month at Montclair State University, and I encourage the entire campus community to join in this celebration.
Senior Stephanie Mannino, a student worker in the Office of Public Information, hit the campus pavement recently to get the scoop on what some students and faculty have planned for spring break. For many, travel is in store, while others have some basic rest and relaxation planned.
"I'm going to Canada for four days with friends."
-Natalie Bejarno, English major
"I don't have any big plans because I'll be working the whole break. But I'll be preparing for other events like weddings, dinners, little parties, bridal showers..."
-Marfa Ertulis, marketing major
"I'm going to Cancun for a week with friends. I'm very excited and looking forward to it."
-Denise Iradi, psychology major
"I'll probably just relax, and I have some work I want to get done."
-Kevin Stanton, English
"I'm going to catch up on some sleep and maybe take a few days off to go up to the woods."
-John Shaw, biology major
"I'm going to Phoenix, Las Vegas and Mexico for the week. I'm flying to Phoenix and then we're driving the rest of the way."
-Gerard Viscido, history/secondary education major
"I have a couple of projects to work on. One is a book, so I want to work on chapters from that. The other one is an instruction manual, so I'll be doing some work during the break."
-Luis Montesinos, Psychology
"I take advantage of breaks when students are off campus to come into the office to catch up on things and prepare for the rest of the semester. I'll probably spend some extra time with my child, take a day and do a mother/son day."
-Saundra-Collins, Psychology and director of African-American Studies
"I'm giving exams before the break, so I'll be grading papers. I plan on getting caught up on paperwork, and also making a trip up to Vassar College where I help set up the gifted program that runs during the summer."
-Philip Zipse, Mathematical Sciences
"I have no special plans-just relaxing and grading papers. Maybe I'll take a little vacation, something spontaneous. We'll see what happens."
-Joseph Donnelly, HPPERLS
Suellen Glashauser of Fine Arts has been awarded a 1999 Print and Paper Fellowship by the Rutgers Center for Innovative Print and Paper at the Mason Gross School of the Arts. Glashauser makes artists' books and handmade paper.
Adele McCollum of Philosophy and Religion was the program director for the annual meeting of Mid-Atlantic American Academy of Religion and the Mid-Atlantic Society of Biblical Literature in Arlington, Va. Participants in the program from Montclair State were Michael Kogan, Lise Vail and David Hunscher.
Kevin O'Brien
recording technician, Music
Deposits from students who have accepted admission as full-time freshmen for the fall is up more than 50 percent over this time last year, according to the Admissions Office.
Franke to give Presidential Invited Faculty Address
Richard Franke of Anthropology will give this year's Presidential Invited Faculty Address on Thursday, March 25, at 10 a.m. in Memorial Auditorium. His topic will be "Lessons in Democracy from Kerala State, India."
Respondents are Nicholas Michelli of Education and Human Services; Nelson Nirenberg of Music; Scott McVay, former Director, Dodge Foundation; and Dana Natale '99 MA, research coordinator, Palliative Care Program, Mt. Sinai Hospital.
Read more about Franke and the Presidential Invited Faculty Address in an upcoming issue of INSIGHT.
Peeples, men's basketball await post-season fate
The men's basketball team's regular season is over, but there still may be a few games in MSU's future. After concluding its regular schedule last week, Montclair ended at 14-10 and in fifth place in the New Jersey Athletic Conference, one game out of a playoff spot.
However, the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC) selects eight teams for its post-season tournament March 1, and Montclair State is expected to be one of the eight. Senior forward and All-American candidate Anthony Peeples hopes his career is not over this soon.
"I hope we get to play a few more games," Peeples said. "I'd like to leave here as a champion."
Peeples, who played in his final regular season home game on Saturday, Feb. 20 to a loud ovation, is leading the nation in rebounding at the Division III level with 14.4 rebounds per game. He also has a chance to register his 1000th career point if MSU continues play, as he now has 971 in his two years.
"The Blaze" named one of the century's best players
Alumna Carol "the Blaze" Blazejowski '78 has been named one of the top five women's college basketball players of the 20th century by Sport magazine. The April issue, which hits newsstands March 2, ranks the top five college basketball players of the century as well as the top five moments in college basketball history in a section called "Best of the Century." Each month Sport will review the best players and moments in a particular sport this century.
Blazejowski is general manager of the New York Liberty, a professional women's basketball team.
Phi Delta Kappa gives Exemplary Program Award
Each year, the Montclair State University chapter of Phi Delta Kappa, the educational professional fraternity, gives awards to schools and districts that demonstrate innovation and skill in developing superior quality instruction programs. It's called the Spotlight on Exemplary Programs award and this year the Warren Point School in Fair Lawn is a recipient.
The recognized project centers on the theme of celebrating multiculturalism and diversity. Nine Warren Point teachers and the principal participated in a year-long initiative that led to five instructional classroom projects related to multiculturalism.
An Open House to learn more about the Montclair in Sienna program will be held on Monday, March 1, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Dickson Hall, Room 178. For more information, call the Global Education Center at 4185.
Campus Recreation and Intramural Services is holding tennis sign-ups through March 5. Men's, women's, singles, doubles and mixed leagues are being formed for beginner, intermediate and advanced levels of play. Registration forms are available at Campus Recreation, Student Center, Room 104I, or the Panzer Fitness Center. For more information, call Steve Smith at 7443.
Members of the academic community who will participate in this year's commencement exercises-Friday, May 14, at the Continental Airlines Arena at the Meadowlands-must return the order form for academic regalia to the University Bookstore by Friday, March 5. Regalia can be picked up at the Bookstore May 10 through 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. or at the arena the day of commencement.
Singers needed for Commencement. Auditions for graduating seniors and master's candidates who would like to sing the national anthem or alma mater at commencement will be held Thursday, March 18, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the Music Building, Room 53. Applications are available in McEachern Hall, Room 2.
The Board of Trustees retreat scheduled for March 13 has been canceled. A public hearing on proposed tuition and fees will be held Monday, March 30, from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Student Center, Room 419.
For more information about position announcements, see the bulletin board outside the Personnel Office in College Hall or visit MSU's web site at www.montclair.edu.
Department Chair, Mathematical Sciences. Starting date: July 1. Eligibility limited to MSU full-time faculty. Must have a doctorate in one of the subject areas taught by the department. Send letter and resume by March 22 to William Parzynski, chair, Faculty Search Committee. V-015.
Department Chair, Marketing. Starting date: July 1. Eligibility limited to MSU full-time faculty. Send letter and resume by March 12 to Chair,Faculty Search Committee. V-014.
Senior Clerk Bookkeeper, Accounts Payable. Salary: $19,324.64-$26,018.56. Applications may be obtained from and must be returned to Debbie Jaffe, assistant director, Personnel Services, College Hall, Room 316B.
For tickets to or information about theater events, call the Box Office at 5112.
Noon Recitals. McEachern Recital Hall.
Afternoon/Evening Recitals. McEachern Recital Hall.
For tickets to or information about dance events, call the Box Office at 5112.
Home games only are listed. Schedule is subject to change. For more information, call the Athletic Office at 5234.
ON 'CARPE DIEM'
The weekly television show produced by MSU broadcasting majors features "Nowhere to Run, Nowhere to Hide," a show on drug abuse and mental illness. Former substance abuser Andrew Jones and MSU's director of Services for Students with Disabilities, Linda Smith, discuss discrimination against drug abusers and their rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Also features Residential Counselor Melanie Tischler and Clifton Mayor James Anzaldi discussing the benefits and problems of group homes for the mentally ill. Airs March 2 at noon on Cablevision channel 6 and 9 p.m. on Comcast channel 57; and March 4 at 8:30 a.m. on CTN.
AT THE MUSEUM
Admission to the Yogi Berra Museum is $4 for adults; $2 for children and students. There is no additional charge for programs.
March 2:"Women in Media," a symposium moderated by Joan Ficke of the Women's Center. Suzyn Waldman of WFAN, Deb Kaufman of MSG Network and Lisa Olson of the New York Daily News will discuss the barriers that exist in the world of sports. Noon.
April 20: Media and Sports Symposium. 2-4 p.m.