Dr. Sofokli Garo

Professor
Department of Computer Sciences
Bio
Education
Publications
Born in Tirana in 1950. After graduating from high school in Durrës, in 1968 I enrolled at the University of Tirana, in the Mathematics program, which I completed in 1972. I started my career as a teacher in the district of Kukës, followed by a mathematics teacher in the city of Durrës. In 2002 I emigrated with my family to the USA, where I finished my doctoral program in school mathematics. In the U.S., I have taught mathematics in various high schools in the states of North Dakota and Florida (full-time) as well as at the undergraduate level in the states of North Dakota, Minnesota and New York (part-time). In 2008 I returned to Albania, initially working at the A. Moisiu University of Durrës, as a lecturer, dean and deputy professor. Rector. After retirement, I worked full-time at the non-public universities Beder (as head of the department) and EBU of the city of Tirana. At the latter university, I continue to work as a mathematics lecturer. So, my professional career is divided into two parts: in pre-university education (before 2002) and teaching in the university system for the period 2008-2025. In both parts of my career I have worked as a teacher and in administrative tasks, both in the USA and Albania.
  1. 1968-1972. University of Tirana. Faculty of Natural Sciences. Bachelor's Program in Mathematics
  2. 2003-2005. University of North Dakota. Master's program in mathematics.
  3. 2005-2008. University of North Dakota. Doctoral Program in Teaching and Learning (“School Mathematics” Major) 
  4. Maj 2005. Degree “Doctor of philosophy”



Publications
1.            Garo, S. (2012) Trigonomeria plane. Durres UAMD Press.
2.            Garo, S. (2011). Theory and Practice of Teaching. Tirana: UFO Press.
3.            Garo, S. (2010). How Much Change? Deutscland: Lambert Academic Publishing
4.            Garo,S. (2009). Invariance of learning. Saarbrucken, Deutschland: VDM Verlag Ltd.
5.            Garo, S. (2008). Contemporary Teaching. Tirana: Toena Publishing House.
6.            Garo, S. (1997). Math choices and solutions: For students who want to continue high school. Tirana: Illyria.
 
Scientific articles and presentations
1.            Garo, S. and Spaho, E. The performance of Albanian students in the subject of mathematics. Analysis of the results in PISA 2012, 2015 and 2018. April 2019. KonfBeder Journal of Educational Science. April, 2019.
2.            Garo, S. (2012, January). The Role of Using Calculators in Math Lessons. Baltimore, USA. January, 2012.
3.            Garo, S. (2009, Maj). Educational practices practiced in American and Albanian cultures. Paper by Garo, S. (2008). Comparative study of 9th grade students in the USA and Albania. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science & Technology Education, 2008, 4 (4), 359-371.
4.            Garo, S. (2007). Roli i makinave llogaritese ne lenden Algjeber 1. Teaching & Learning: The Journal of Natural Inquiry and Reflective Practice, Fall 2007, Volume 22, Number 1, 125-138.
5.            Garo, S. (2009, April). A comparison of the mathematical achievements of 9th grade students in the USA and Albania. Paper presented at the North Dakota Math Teachers' Council Spring Conference. Grand Forks, ND., USA.
6.            Garo, S. (2008, January). Educational practices and students' achievement in Algebra 1: A cross cultural perspective. Paper presented at the 7th International Conference on Statistics, Mathematics and Related Fields; Honolulu, HI., USA.
7.            Garo, S. (2002). Teaching Challenges: Practical Methods, Strategies, and Tips for Beginner Teachers.Tirana: Erik-Botime.
8.            Garo, S. (Lita, Z., & Garo, S. (2001). Democratic change in Albania: School and community based initiative. Tirana: AEDP Press. Paraqitur ne konferencen e 11-te nderkombetare mbi edukimin. Athine, Greqi.
9.            1983, December). Structure of seedlings for maximum milk production. Paper presented at the annual conference "School Mathematics and Industry". Tirana, Albania.
10.         Garo, S. (1981). Involving High School Students in Mathematical  Production Problems Pedagogical Journal, July, 112-136.
11.         Garo, S. (1981, Nentor). Applying knowledge on linear programming to the shoe manufacturing industry. Paper presented at the annual conference "School Mathematics and Industry". Durres, Albania.