Completed in 1998, the third International Mathematics and Science Study done by the International Association for the Evaluation of Education Achievement revealed that U.S. students fared poorly in math and science skills compared to other students around the world. It means that we have to raise our standards to expect more rigor from our teachers and students. The Web of Learning is based on a program developed by a former professor at the University of New Mexico and a professor currently at Thiel College in Pennsylvania. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, which contributed to the initial concept, also is collaborating with the Lab on The Web of Learning. Students and teachers will be able to submit math problems for other students to solve, and contests will be held with teams of teachers and students in order to identify math talent.
Students have to justify their answer.
The Web of Learning web page also has links to books and resources on the World Wide Web that students can use to help solve problems, math and science tutorials, a link to the National Science Education Standards, and information on contests students can participate in. Eventually, the Lab's Web of Learning site will be linked to Livermore's site and students can solve problems submitted from both labs, Jacobs added. There also is a link from the site explaining rules for submitting problems to The Web of Learning, said Jacobs. And although the problems may appear difficult, Jacobs said The Web of Learning is easy to use. This fall, the Lab plans to hold a math contest for junior high and high school students in the Four Corners area using the new web site.