Don't forget the meeting on Wednesday at 4.  Before that, some thoughts on
the concentration issue on our agenda.  First, I would like us to resolve
this issue on Wednesday.
 
Second, I have been giving considerable thought to our discussions.  We seem
to have two unresolvable issues.  On the one hand, we recognize the
importance of nurturing along those students who would be good math teachers,
but who must start in MTH 125.  We don't want to discourage these folks.
On the other hand, we also recognize the importance of challenging our better
students to go as far as they can in mathematics. MTH 407 is the crucial issue
in this regard.  Requiring 407 is hard for the MTH 125 starters; it is
essential for the better students.  There-in lies our difficulty.
 
Right now, 407 is under-subscribed for Spring.  What I am hearing from students
is two things.  First, some only need 1 or 2 credits and have a fairly full
load.  Second, some think that the course is difficult (400-level) and are
opting to take MTH 222.  I think that is a shame.  I talked with one of our
better students who opted for 222 over 407 and at the same time was complain-
ing that this semester when she took 231 she saw no relevance to teaching
math!  Then she enrolls for 222, where I am afraid she will have the same
problem....... Oh, my!
 
I think that the only way out of this is for us to put 407 in the list of
required courses, apply for a capstone (which we intend to do) and initiate
the "waiver" process we discussed (some had reservations about this, which
I recognize).  However, I think that this iis a middle ground that would
meet the needs of both the MTH 125 students we are concerned about and
the needs of our better students.  Frankly, I am not willing to sacrifice
what I think is most beneficial for most students to satisfy our concerns for
a relatively small group of students.  Why can't we handle the smaller group
on an individual basis?  I see no other alternative that I am comfortable
with.......
 
Any thoughts?   Jerry