Ferdinand Rivera
Professor
Mathematics Education
408-924-5170
ferdinand.rivera@sjsu.edu
Office Hours: By appointment (email preferred)
Research Areas
- Mathematics Education
- Cultural Studies
Biography
Professor Rivera conducts research in school- and university-based mathematical cognition, in particular, the emergence of structural thinking in children and adults. Many of his investigations also focus on ways in which individual learners employ visualization to make sense of mathematical concepts and processes. Professor Rivera and his math education and special education colleagues are implementing a teacher preparation program for the next generation of middle school and secondary mathematics teachers who model integrated instructional practices when they teach math-literacy driven performance tasks and lessons in inclusive classrooms. Professor Rivera is currently funded by the National Science Foundation to: (i) develop 21st century inclusive- and mathematical literacy-driven middle school and high school mathematics teachers: SJSU's Mathematics Integrated Teacher Preparation Program (DUE 2151134); (ii) develop virtual reality-mediated representational tools for supporting and enhancing deep mathematical understanding of linear algebra relationships (DUE 2315756); and (iii) understand CSU single subject program completers in math teacher effectiveness and retention in their first five years of full time teaching (DUE 2345187). His SJSU RSCA grant allows him to (i) further expand his virtual reality-mediated math learning apps to include concepts in Algebra 1 and 2 and (ii) investigate how to effectively scale up VR apps for math learning in classrooms. Finally, with a grant from the CSU Chancellor's Office, over the next two summers 2024 and 2025, he and his math education colleagues will provide professional development institutes for Grades 2-5 teachers of mathematics around the new 2023 California Mathematics Framework.
Education
- Doctor of Philosophy, Ohio St Univ Main Campus, 1998
- Postgraduate Diploma, Cultural Studies, Center for Development Research, University of Bonn, Germany, 2000
Website
Learn more about Ferdinand Rivera and his research by visiting his website, using the link below.
