Curriculum Vitae
Alexis L. Stevens
Department of Mathematics and Statistics
305 Roop Hall , MSC 1911
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Phone: (540) 568-4963
Email: [email protected]
EDUCATION
Doctor of Philosophy in Education, Curriculum, and Instruction May 2012
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University - Blacksburg, Virginia
Concentration: Mathematics Education
Dissertation: Homework journaling in undergraduate mathematics
Master of Science in Mathematics May 2007
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University – Blacksburg, Virginia
Thesis: The stable marriage problem: Structure and algorithms
Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics May 2005
Messiah College - Grantham, Pennsylvania
Minor in Biblical Studies
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Teaching Experience
Instructor Spring 2011
Geometry and Computing for Teachers (Math 1624)
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Instructor Fall 2010
Numbers and Computing for Teachers (Math 1614)
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Instructor Spring 2010
Capstone Thesis and Seminar (Math 4654)
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Instructor Spring 2009, 2010
Early Field Experience in Mathematics Education (Math 4984)
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Instructor Fall 2008, 2009
Mathematics Education Senior Seminar (Math 4664)
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Instructor Fall 2008, 2009
Mathematics Tutoring (Math 2644)
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Instructor Summer 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Calculus II (Math 1206)
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Recitation Instructor Fall 2006-Spring 2007
Vector Geometry (Math 1224)
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Online Course Instructor Summer 2006
Elementary Calculus with Trigonometry I (Math 1016)
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Tutoring Experience
Private Tutor Fall 2005-Present
Blacksburg, VA
Math Emporium Tutor Fall 2005-Spring 2006
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Supervising Experience
University Supervisor and Instructor Spring 2009, 2010
Early Field Experience in Mathematics Education (Math 4984)
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
University Supervisor Spring 2008
Internship in Education (EDCI 5754)
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
University Supervisor Fall 2007
Teaching in Middle and Secondary Schools: Mathematics (EDCI 5744)
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Research Experience
Graduate Research Assistant Fall 2011-Spring 2012
NSF Funded Research
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Determining algebra readiness and cognitive skills profiles by using a diagnostic cognitive model to set a performance standard on a pre-algebra test
Mathematical and Psychological Structures Class Project Spring 2011
Department of Mathematics
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Elementary school students’ conceptions of angular measurements
Advanced Research Design and Methodology Class Project Spring 2009
Department of Educational Research and Evaluation
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Problem solving strategies in elementary school
Quantitative Research Methods Class Project Fall 2007-Spring 2008
Department of Educational Research and Evaluation
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Self-efficacy beliefs of preservice teachers to deliver integrated curriculum: A pilot study
PROFESSIONAL PUBLICATIONS
Stevens, A. L. & Wilkins, J. L. M. (2013). Understanding students’ attitudes towards and perceptions of homework journals. In M. V. Martinez & A. C. Superfine (Eds.), Proceedings of the 35rd annual meeting of the North American Chapter of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education, pp.525-529 . Chicago, IL: University of Illinois, Chicago.
Johnston, A. L. & Wilkins, J. L. M. (2011). Probabilistic misconceptions of preservice teachers. In L. R. Wiest & T. Lamberg (Eds.), Proceedings of the 33rd annual meeting of the North American Chapter of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education, pp. 259-267. Reno, NV: Univeristy of Nevada, Reno.
Conn, A. E., Johnston, A. L., & Wilkins, J. L. M. (2010). Quantitative literacy: Preservice teacher beliefs. In P. Brosnan, D. B. Erchick, & L. Flevares (Eds.), Proceedings of the 32nd annual meeting of the North American Chapter of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education, pp. 902-909. Columbus, OH: The Ohio State University.
PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS
International
Stevens, A. L. (2012). College mathematics students' perceptions of journal writing. The 34th annual meeting of the North American Chapter of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education. Kalamazoo, MI.
Johnston, A. L. (2011). Journal writing in college mathematics. The 33rd annual meeting of the North American Chapter of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education. Reno, NV.
Johnston, A. L. (2009). Motivation in college mathematics: Does it even exist? The 31st annual meeting of the North American Chapter of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education. Atlanta, GA.
National
Stevens, A. L., Siegfried, J. M., Lovin, L. A., & Norton, A. (2014). Fraction schemes and operations: An extension to PreK-8 Prospective Teachers. The 18th Annual Conference of the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators. Irvine, CA.
State
Stevens, A. L. & Poole, C. S. (2014). A research project on women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. State Conference for Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Harrisonburg, VA.
Stevens, A. L. & Stevens, J. A. (2013). The U.S. Electoral College: Using proportional reasoning to determine the next president. Spring Meeting of the Valley of Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Harrisonburg, VA.
University
Johnston, A. L. (2009). Self-efficacy: How does self-efficacy influence achievement in college mathematics? The 4th annual School of Education Student Association Research Conference. Blacksburg, VA.
MEMBERSHIPS AND PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (2009-present)
Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics (2012-present)
Valley of Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics (2012-present)
The Psychology of Mathematics Education, North American Chapter (2009-present)
Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators (2013-present)
American Mathematical Society (2005-present)
Mathematical Association of America (2001-present)
SERVICE AND OUTREACH
Organizer, Mathematics Education Professional Seminar Fall 2010-Spring 2012
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Panelist, AdvanceVT Seminar September 2010
Making a Successful Transition from Student to Teacher
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Women in Mathematics: Career Day at Virginia Tech November 2008, 2009
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
School of Education Student Association Research Conference February 2009
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Team Leader Spring Break Service Trip March 2006, 2007, 2008
Danli, Honduras
Ministry Team Leader at New Life Christian Fellowship August 2005-Present
Blacksburg, VA
Department of Mathematics and Statistics
305 Roop Hall , MSC 1911
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Phone: (540) 568-4963
Email: [email protected]
EDUCATION
Doctor of Philosophy in Education, Curriculum, and Instruction May 2012
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University - Blacksburg, Virginia
Concentration: Mathematics Education
Dissertation: Homework journaling in undergraduate mathematics
Master of Science in Mathematics May 2007
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University – Blacksburg, Virginia
Thesis: The stable marriage problem: Structure and algorithms
Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics May 2005
Messiah College - Grantham, Pennsylvania
Minor in Biblical Studies
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Teaching Experience
Instructor Spring 2011
Geometry and Computing for Teachers (Math 1624)
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
- Utilized hands-on manipulative materials to deepen students’ mathematical understandings.
- Encouraged students to engage in higher-order thinking to foster their ability to provide reasoning and justification for mathematical tasks.
- Explored Geometer’s Sketchpad software with preservice elementary school teachers.
Instructor Fall 2010
Numbers and Computing for Teachers (Math 1614)
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
- Coordinated imaginative and engaging review activities for course exams.
- Initiated online forum discussions for students to further investigate themes sparked by class activities.
- Focused course using interactive online activities for preservice elementary school teachers.
Instructor Spring 2010
Capstone Thesis and Seminar (Math 4654)
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
- Developed course focus to encompass major themes learned throughout students’ mathematics education program.
- Facilitated course discussions and activities.
- Advised student research projects to fulfill capstone requirements.
Instructor Spring 2009, 2010
Early Field Experience in Mathematics Education (Math 4984)
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
- Created and communicated course purpose.
- Advised student research projects focused on major concerns in mathematics education.
- Supervised students by visiting middle and high school mathematics classes.
Instructor Fall 2008, 2009
Mathematics Education Senior Seminar (Math 4664)
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
- Prepared students to take the Praxis II (mathematics content) examination.
- Guided students to develop a philosophy of teaching and learning mathematics.
- Assisted students transitioning to graduate school.
Instructor Fall 2008, 2009
Mathematics Tutoring (Math 2644)
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
- Developed journal prompts for weekly journal assignments.
- Facilitated whole-class and small-group discussions.
- Fostered students’ tutoring skills.
Instructor Summer 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Calculus II (Math 1206)
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
- Designed course syllabus.
- Prepared lectures and interactive class activities.
- Formulated and graded quizzes and tests.
Recitation Instructor Fall 2006-Spring 2007
Vector Geometry (Math 1224)
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
- Prepared weekly review material.
- Facilitated recitation activities including group work and various mathematical tasks.
- Wrote and graded weekly quizzes.
Online Course Instructor Summer 2006
Elementary Calculus with Trigonometry I (Math 1016)
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
- Motivated students to actively participate in all aspects of the learning process, including threaded class discussions and enrichment activities.
- Contacted students via email regularly.
- Posted course and university announcements to students.
Tutoring Experience
Private Tutor Fall 2005-Present
Blacksburg, VA
- Worked with students in various mathematics classes.
- Provided individual instruction.
- Helped prepare students for standardized tests such as AP Calculus exam and GRE.
Math Emporium Tutor Fall 2005-Spring 2006
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
- Tutored students enrolled in five different mathematics courses.
- Answered students’ questions.
- Led small group study sessions.
Supervising Experience
University Supervisor and Instructor Spring 2009, 2010
Early Field Experience in Mathematics Education (Math 4984)
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
- Observed undergraduate students interning in middle and high school mathematics classes.
- Reflected with students to allow opportunities to discuss new initiatives.
- Consulted with classroom teachers to assist in inspiring performance.
- Ensured initiative during classroom teaching and monitored interactions with students and teachers.
University Supervisor Spring 2008
Internship in Education (EDCI 5754)
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
- Observed graduate students student teaching in middle and high school mathematics classes.
- Evaluated preparedness of student teachers and their ability to engage students.
- Led weekly discussions to provide additional support on classroom performance.
University Supervisor Fall 2007
Teaching in Middle and Secondary Schools: Mathematics (EDCI 5744)
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
- Observed graduate students interning in middle and high school mathematics classes.
- Collected and graded weekly reflection journals from students.
- Coached students with questions and issues regarding classroom management and instruction.
Research Experience
Graduate Research Assistant Fall 2011-Spring 2012
NSF Funded Research
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Determining algebra readiness and cognitive skills profiles by using a diagnostic cognitive model to set a performance standard on a pre-algebra test
- Collaborated with a team of faculty members and inservice secondary mathematics teachers.
- Assisted in the development of an instrument to measure algebra readiness skills.
- Contributed cognitive diagnostic information concerning skills needed by students in order to succeed in algebra.
Mathematical and Psychological Structures Class Project Spring 2011
Department of Mathematics
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Elementary school students’ conceptions of angular measurements
- Explored two elementary school students’ conceptions of angular measurements.
- Compared students’ conceptions to established literature.
- Conducted and analyzed clinical interviews.
Advanced Research Design and Methodology Class Project Spring 2009
Department of Educational Research and Evaluation
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Problem solving strategies in elementary school
- Explored the benefits of elementary students using a variety of problem solving methods.
- Investigated the relationship between problem solving methods and achievement.
- Implemented hierarchical linear modeling for analysis.
Quantitative Research Methods Class Project Fall 2007-Spring 2008
Department of Educational Research and Evaluation
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Self-efficacy beliefs of preservice teachers to deliver integrated curriculum: A pilot study
- Explored preservice teachers’ self-efficacy with respect to delivering integrated instruction.
- Collected data from preservice STEM teachers.
- Implemented ANOVA and multiple regression for analysis.
PROFESSIONAL PUBLICATIONS
Stevens, A. L. & Wilkins, J. L. M. (2013). Understanding students’ attitudes towards and perceptions of homework journals. In M. V. Martinez & A. C. Superfine (Eds.), Proceedings of the 35rd annual meeting of the North American Chapter of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education, pp.525-529 . Chicago, IL: University of Illinois, Chicago.
Johnston, A. L. & Wilkins, J. L. M. (2011). Probabilistic misconceptions of preservice teachers. In L. R. Wiest & T. Lamberg (Eds.), Proceedings of the 33rd annual meeting of the North American Chapter of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education, pp. 259-267. Reno, NV: Univeristy of Nevada, Reno.
Conn, A. E., Johnston, A. L., & Wilkins, J. L. M. (2010). Quantitative literacy: Preservice teacher beliefs. In P. Brosnan, D. B. Erchick, & L. Flevares (Eds.), Proceedings of the 32nd annual meeting of the North American Chapter of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education, pp. 902-909. Columbus, OH: The Ohio State University.
PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS
International
Stevens, A. L. (2012). College mathematics students' perceptions of journal writing. The 34th annual meeting of the North American Chapter of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education. Kalamazoo, MI.
Johnston, A. L. (2011). Journal writing in college mathematics. The 33rd annual meeting of the North American Chapter of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education. Reno, NV.
Johnston, A. L. (2009). Motivation in college mathematics: Does it even exist? The 31st annual meeting of the North American Chapter of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education. Atlanta, GA.
National
Stevens, A. L., Siegfried, J. M., Lovin, L. A., & Norton, A. (2014). Fraction schemes and operations: An extension to PreK-8 Prospective Teachers. The 18th Annual Conference of the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators. Irvine, CA.
State
Stevens, A. L. & Poole, C. S. (2014). A research project on women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. State Conference for Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Harrisonburg, VA.
Stevens, A. L. & Stevens, J. A. (2013). The U.S. Electoral College: Using proportional reasoning to determine the next president. Spring Meeting of the Valley of Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Harrisonburg, VA.
University
Johnston, A. L. (2009). Self-efficacy: How does self-efficacy influence achievement in college mathematics? The 4th annual School of Education Student Association Research Conference. Blacksburg, VA.
MEMBERSHIPS AND PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (2009-present)
Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics (2012-present)
Valley of Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics (2012-present)
The Psychology of Mathematics Education, North American Chapter (2009-present)
Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators (2013-present)
American Mathematical Society (2005-present)
Mathematical Association of America (2001-present)
SERVICE AND OUTREACH
Organizer, Mathematics Education Professional Seminar Fall 2010-Spring 2012
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Panelist, AdvanceVT Seminar September 2010
Making a Successful Transition from Student to Teacher
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Women in Mathematics: Career Day at Virginia Tech November 2008, 2009
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
School of Education Student Association Research Conference February 2009
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Team Leader Spring Break Service Trip March 2006, 2007, 2008
Danli, Honduras
Ministry Team Leader at New Life Christian Fellowship August 2005-Present
Blacksburg, VA