Transcript Document
4/29/2020
Quantitative Literacy with Group Projects – An Emerging SENCER Model
By Thomas M Zachariah Jacqueline M Dewar Suzanne Larson Loyola Marymount University 1
Quantitative Literacy with Group Projects-An Emerging SENCER Model Course
Thomas M Zachariah, Suzanne Larson & Jacqueline M Dewar
What is our Emerging Model Course?
Our Model Course incorporates collaborative group projects addressing campus/community issues into the Quantitative Literacy (QL) Course at Loyola Marymount University. Features: The course is core course The projects enabled students to connect and apply their classroom learning to their own lives and community 4/29/2020 2
Quantitative Literacy with Group Projects-An Emerging SENCER Model Course
Thomas M Zachariah, Suzanne Larson & Jacqueline M Dewar
Our Model Course
SENCER Project Goals:
To develop an alternate version of an existing QL course in which students learn and apply mathematics to address local civic issues Each team member teach at least one section Recruit other faculty 4/29/2020 3
Quantitative Literacy with Group Projects-An Emerging SENCER Model Course
Thomas M Zachariah, Suzanne Larson & Jacqueline M Dewar
Our Model Course
Intended Student Learning Outcomes:
Be aware of usefulness of math Have greater confidence in using math Be able to describe, analyze and make recommendations about community issues using mathematical tools Be engaged in a community issue and more likely to do so in the future 4/29/2020 4
4/29/2020
Quantitative Literacy with Group Projects-An Emerging SENCER Model Course
Thomas M Zachariah, Suzanne Larson & Jacqueline M Dewar
Presentation Outline
• • • • • Background of the Course • Standard vs. SENCER QL Course Why a Projects Approach? • Going In • Reflecting Back Implementation Issues Institutionalization Efforts Evaluation 5
Quantitative Literacy with Group Projects-An Emerging SENCER Model Course
Thomas M Zachariah, Suzanne Larson & Jacqueline M Dewar
Standard vs. SENCER QL Course
Standard QL (MATH 102)
Provide students with quantitative skills for their future lives 20 sections per year Up to 30 students Excel computer lab
SENCER QL (MATH 102)
Same goal but with increased emphasis on active “citizenship” 5 sections in 05-06 Limit to 24 students Same Excel lab 4/29/2020 6
Quantitative Literacy with Group Projects-An Emerging SENCER Model Course
Thomas M Zachariah, Suzanne Larson & Jacqueline M Dewar
Comparing Course Content
• • • • • • Number Sense • Uses/abuses of percentages • Dealing with large and small numbers Mathematics of Finance • Credit cards, savings/loans, taxes, investments Elementary Statistics Elementary Probability Theory Social Choice/Theory of Voting Model Project on Student Loan Debt 4/29/2020 7
4/29/2020
Quantitative Literacy with Group Projects-An Emerging SENCER Model Course
Thomas M Zachariah, Suzanne Larson & Jacqueline M Dewar
Why a Projects Approach (Going In)?
Considered a math modeling approach Textbook level problems Background of target audience Projects approach seemed more flexible Revised course similar to standard course 8
4/29/2020
Quantitative Literacy with Group Projects-An Emerging SENCER Model Course
Thomas M Zachariah, Suzanne Larson & Jacqueline M Dewar
How We Chose the Project Ideas
We asked the students!
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Quantitative Literacy with Group Projects-An Emerging SENCER Model Course
Thomas M Zachariah, Suzanne Larson & Jacqueline M Dewar
Top 5 Survey Results
Topic/Interest Level
Tuition Textbook cost Financial Aid Saving for retirement LA homeless
High
20 17 15 13 10
Medium Low
5 3 6 7 3 4 7 11 7 6
No
0 2 2 1 1 4/29/2020 10
Quantitative Literacy with Group Projects-An Emerging SENCER Model Course
Thomas M Zachariah, Suzanne Larson & Jacqueline M Dewar
Bottom 5 Survey Results
Topic/Interest Level
Smog Marijuana LMU gender distribution LMU Ethnic distribution Airport noise
High Medium Low
8 8 5 5 7 9 5 10 10 7 0 4 4 11 12
No
7 4 6 6 12 4/29/2020 11
Quantitative Literacy with Group Projects-An Emerging SENCER Model Course
Thomas M Zachariah, Suzanne Larson & Jacqueline M Dewar
Project Topics We Developed
Project 1 – Textbook Cost Project 2 – Ballona Insect Survey Project 3 – Student Health Center Project 4 – Living Expense: On-campus vs. Off-campus Project 5 – Social Security: Will it Go Broke?
Project 6 – Homework Help Session Model Project – Student Loan Debt
4/29/2020 12
Quantitative Literacy with Group Projects-An Emerging SENCER Model Course
Thomas M Zachariah, Suzanne Larson & Jacqueline M Dewar
Student “Design Your Own” Projects
Project – Campus Parking
Purpose: To determine if there is “enough” parking and if the lots are safe.
Project – Future Financial Planning
Purpose: To develop a financial plan from college graduation to retirement.
Project – College Students’ Work-hours
Purpose: To determine how much college students work and its impact on their studies.
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Quantitative Literacy with Group Projects-An Emerging SENCER Model Course
Thomas M Zachariah, Suzanne Larson & Jacqueline M Dewar
Course Manual Gives Details about --
How to Structure the Projects Various Aspects of Student Group Work How to Assess the Projects Additional Materials We Developed
http://myweb.lmu.edu/tzachari/sencer.html
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Quantitative Literacy with Group Projects-An Emerging SENCER Model Course
Thomas M Zachariah, Suzanne Larson & Jacqueline M Dewar
Why a Projects Approach (Reflecting Back)?
7 Principles (Chickering & Gamson, 1987) Our Underachieving Colleges (Bok, 2006) LMU’s Core Curriculum Committee 4/29/2020 15
4/29/2020
Quantitative Literacy with Group Projects-An Emerging SENCER Model Course
Thomas M Zachariah, Suzanne Larson & Jacqueline M Dewar
Seven Principles of Good Practice for Undergraduate Education
Encourages Student Faculty Contact Encourages Cooperation Among Students Encourages Active Learning Gives Prompt Feedback Emphasizes Time on Task Communicates High Expectations Respects Diverse Talents and Ways of Learning 16
Quantitative Literacy with Group Projects-An Emerging SENCER Model Course
Thomas M Zachariah, Suzanne Larson & Jacqueline M Dewar
Derek Bok’s View of QL
Our Underachieving Colleges (2005)
Critical Thinking Qualities of Mind/Habits of Thought (p.68)
Define Problems Clearly Gather Relevant Facts Perceive Plausible Solutions Exercise Good Judgment in Choosing 4/29/2020 17
4/29/2020
Quantitative Literacy with Group Projects-An Emerging SENCER Model Course
Thomas M Zachariah, Suzanne Larson & Jacqueline M Dewar
Derek Bok’s View of QL
Our Underachieving Colleges (2005)
Critical Thinking Basic Quantitative Methods (p.69)
Grasp of Statistics & Probability Practice Applying Everyday Math Taxes, Budgets, Rigorous Thinking Facility with Computers 18
Quantitative Literacy with Group Projects-An Emerging SENCER Model Course
Thomas M Zachariah, Suzanne Larson & Jacqueline M Dewar
Discussions on Improving the Core
LMU Core Curriculum Committee, 2006
Alignment with Mission Content Relevance Intellectual Rigor Infrastructure Pedagogy and Advising 4/29/2020 19
4/29/2020
Quantitative Literacy with Group Projects-An Emerging SENCER Model Course
Thomas M Zachariah, Suzanne Larson & Jacqueline M Dewar
Implementation Issues University Level ??
20
4/29/2020
Quantitative Literacy with Group Projects-An Emerging SENCER Model Course
Thomas M Zachariah, Suzanne Larson & Jacqueline M Dewar
Implementation Issues University Level
• • • • • • • Math Core Course Coordinator is a Developer Core Curriculum Committee Human Subjects Enrollment Off-campus Transportation for Field Trips Budget and Controller’s Office Hiring Student Research Assistants 21
4/29/2020
Quantitative Literacy with Group Projects-An Emerging SENCER Model Course
Thomas M Zachariah, Suzanne Larson & Jacqueline M Dewar
Implementation Issues Classroom Level ??
22
4/29/2020
Quantitative Literacy with Group Projects-An Emerging SENCER Model Course
Thomas M Zachariah, Suzanne Larson & Jacqueline M Dewar
Implementation Issues Classroom Level
• • • Collaborative Group Work Student Discomfort with Open-Ended Projects “Grass is Greener ” 23
4/29/2020
Quantitative Literacy with Group Projects-An Emerging SENCER Model Course
Thomas M Zachariah, Suzanne Larson & Jacqueline M Dewar
Implementation Issues Project-Related ??
24
4/29/2020
Quantitative Literacy with Group Projects-An Emerging SENCER Model Course
Thomas M Zachariah, Suzanne Larson & Jacqueline M Dewar
Implementation Issues Project-Related
• Coordinating with other people/agencies • Access to Ballona Wetlands • • • • • Fish and Game Campus Student Health Center Center for Study of LA Heads-Up Alcohol Awareness Program Student Loan Office 25
Quantitative Literacy with Group Projects-An Emerging SENCER Model Course
Thomas M Zachariah, Suzanne Larson & Jacqueline M Dewar
Institutionalization Efforts
• • • • SENCER Course considered equivalent to Standard version by the university • Same course title and number Departmental Seminar Talk Course Manual http://myweb.lmu.edu/tzachari/sencer.html
Dissemination Workshop (9 math faculty) 4/29/2020 26
4/29/2020
Quantitative Literacy with Group Projects-An Emerging SENCER Model Course
Thomas M Zachariah, Suzanne Larson & Jacqueline M Dewar
Did We Meet Our Goals?
SENCER Project Goals:
To develop an alternate version of an existing QL course in which students learn and apply mathematics to address local civic issues Each team member teach at least one section Recruit other faculty 27
4/29/2020
Quantitative Literacy with Group Projects-An Emerging SENCER Model Course
Thomas M Zachariah, Suzanne Larson & Jacqueline M Dewar
On Recruiting Other Faculty
What p
erce
nt agreed?
As a result of attending this workshop I have a better idea about:
Rationale for teaching with projects
Materials are available for projects
How to teach with projects
28
4/29/2020
Quantitative Literacy with Group Projects-An Emerging SENCER Model Course
Thomas M Zachariah, Suzanne Larson & Jacqueline M Dewar
On Recruiting Other Faculty 100% agreed!
As a result of attending this workshop I have a better idea about:
Rationale for teaching with projects
Materials are available for projects
How to teach with projects
29
Quantitative Literacy with Group Projects-An Emerging SENCER Model Course
Thomas M Zachariah, Suzanne Larson & Jacqueline M Dewar
On Recruiting Other Faculty
Would you volunteer to teach with projects?
What percent said YES/NO/Not SURE?
4/29/2020 30
Quantitative Literacy with Group Projects-An Emerging SENCER Model Course
Thomas M Zachariah, Suzanne Larson & Jacqueline M Dewar
On Recruiting Other Faculty
Would you volunteer to teach with projects?
55% YES
It would be fun, rewarding. Sounds cool! Engages students, valuable experience for them
4/29/2020 31
Quantitative Literacy with Group Projects-An Emerging SENCER Model Course
Thomas M Zachariah, Suzanne Larson & Jacqueline M Dewar
On Recruiting Other Faculty
Would you volunteer to teach with projects?
0% NO
4/29/2020 32
Quantitative Literacy with Group Projects-An Emerging SENCER Model Course
Thomas M Zachariah, Suzanne Larson & Jacqueline M Dewar
On Recruiting Other Faculty
Would you volunteer to teach with projects?
45% Not Sure
Worried about the time commitment.
Could not do with other new preparations.
4/29/2020 33
4/29/2020
Quantitative Literacy with Group Projects-An Emerging SENCER Model Course
Thomas M Zachariah, Suzanne Larson & Jacqueline M Dewar
Student Learning Objectives:
Be aware of usefulness of math Have greater confidence in using math Be able to describe, analyze and make recommendations about community issues using mathematical tools Be engaged in a community issue and more likely to do so in the future 34
Quantitative Literacy with Group Projects-An Emerging SENCER Model Course
Thomas M Zachariah, Suzanne Larson & Jacqueline M Dewar
Assessment Instruments
S tudent A ssessment of L earning G ains (SALG) http://www.wcer.wisc.edu/salgains/instructor/ Focus Group Surveys Pre- and Post-Tests Knowledge Survey (Spring 06) 4/29/2020 35
Quantitative Literacy with Group Projects-An Emerging SENCER Model Course
Thomas M Zachariah, Suzanne Larson & Jacqueline M Dewar 4/29/2020
SENCER Students vs. Regular Students Usefulness of Math & Community Awareness Likert Scale -2(SD) to 2(SA)
1.4
1.2
1.0
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0.0
-0.2
-0.4
-0.6
Usefulness Community Regular SENCER 36
Quantitative Literacy with Group Projects-An Emerging SENCER Model Course
Thomas M Zachariah, Suzanne Larson & Jacqueline M Dewar
Assessment
Survey of SENCER students (n=29)
• 79% said projects enabled them to connect classroom learning to campus or community issues • 59% said projects helped them practice and learn mathematical or analytical skills. 4/29/2020 37
4/29/2020
Quantitative Literacy with Group Projects-An Emerging SENCER Model Course
Thomas M Zachariah, Suzanne Larson & Jacqueline M Dewar
SENCER Pre/Post Test Results Pre and Post Test Results Fall 2005, Spring 2006 Projects-Based Course
90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% perc en t lo an s savi ng s pl an s r cr ed it card m arg in o f erro nu m bers in p ers pect iv e
Question
sprea dsh eet no rm al di st rib rep ut res io n en ta tiv e samp les pre post 38
Quantitative Literacy with Group Projects-An Emerging SENCER Model Course
Thomas M Zachariah, Suzanne Larson & Jacqueline M Dewar
SENCER Pre/Post Knowledge Survey (S’06) Pre, Post Knowledge Survey Results - Spring 2006
3 2.5
2 pre post 1.5
1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29
Question Number
4/29/2020 39
Quantitative Literacy with Group Projects-An Emerging SENCER Model Course
Thomas M Zachariah, Suzanne Larson & Jacqueline M Dewar
Assessment
Focus Group with 19 SENCER students
Question:
Should we keep the projects?
Answer:
YES
15
NO
3
MAYBE
1 4/29/2020 40
4/29/2020
Quantitative Literacy with Group Projects-An Emerging SENCER Model Course
Thomas M Zachariah, Suzanne Larson & Jacqueline M Dewar
A Work in Progress
One developer teaching 2 sections in the fall Another faculty member may try the projects Some new materials available… 41
Quantitative Literacy with Group Projects-An Emerging SENCER Model Course
Thomas M Zachariah, Suzanne Larson & Jacqueline M Dewar
Acknowledgements
SENCER
Loyola Marymount University
David Burns and Karen Oates Patti Simon Laurie Fathe 4/29/2020 42