Sai Gattupalli
Namaste, I am Sai. I am a Research Assistant in the College of Education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. My interests lie in the fields of intelligent tutoring systems, math learning dis/abilities, remote instruction, behavioral inquiry into web-mediated learning and communication, computational thinking, web design and accessibility.
Why is math important?
Math is a life-skill. It is applied overwhelmingly in several domains and disciplines. Math helps us quantify and organize our daily habits. Broader cognitive abilities, problem solving and logic are associated with math solving skills. These qualities have direct implications in the workplace and therefore drive STEM innovation.
What is the current state of math education?
With the COVID-19 pandemic further propelling remote learning and hybrid models as our primary medium of classroom content delivery, K12 (and higher ed) math instruction is being delivered in ways more fragmented than ever before. This contributes to an even wider gap between learning gains vs student interest in math education. Meaning, the core essence of math is being delivered unevenly and inequitably than ever before.
WHAT AM I DOING ABOUT IT?
It is important that we understand there is a severe lack of STEM workforce in the US, to start with. My research focuses on various intersections where Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS) are used to address math problem solving issues in adult learners (and Grade 6+ learners). ITS are advanced programs that instantly adapt to learner's math solving behavior and math performance. They provide "scaffolding" and encouragement, and help deliver positive learning outcomes.
I work on these measurements, and quantify math learning ability and achievement among "at-risk" adult learners. I make improvements that yield new positive outcomes, develop core math content, find new patterns, educate teachers and the community.
Under guidance from my advisors -
Ivon Arroyo, Ed.D., Torrey Trust, Ph.D. and Elizabeth McEneaney, Ph.D.
AFFILIATED WITH -
The Center for Knowledge Communication and Advanced Learning Technologies Lab