Student Profiles
Roger Wander
Community Access Program
"As a practicing teacher of secondary mathematics since 1975, in Australia and the USA, I have gained valuable experience and developed my preferred approaches to most topics. Of course the changing nature of curriculum design and technology meant that I needed to keep up with developments, which I did largely through occasional in-service activities. The idea of serious study was attractive but conflicted with the realities of being a full-time teacher and an involved father of two children.
When the Catholic Education Office offered study opportunities at The University of Melbourne through the CAP (Community Access Program) scheme I decided to give study at Masters level a go - and it changed my teaching markedly. The subject I studied (Learning Mathematics with Technology) with Professor Kaye Stacey gave me the push I needed to effect change in my own classroom, and it brought me in contact with people who are actively engaged in cutting-edge research recognised in journals all over the world. My colleagues at Kilbreda College now seek my advice regarding how best to use various software packages for a range of mathematical topics, and the flow-on effect of my University experiences is gratifying to see.
This year I have been awarded scholarship money by the CEO to cover my expenses for a second subject which focuses on the use of computer algebra systems (CAS) in the mathematics classroom. I intend to complete my masters degree by the end of next year, either by continuing with coursework (the interactions and collegial learning is great) or via a more research intensive pathway."