PRIMUS: Cultivating a Productive Disposition Toward Mathematics by Engaging in Service-Learning

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I have had the good fortune of being recently published in the journal PRIMUS (Problems, Resources, and Issues in Mathematics Undergraduate Studies).

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The article stems from my dissertation research and the examples of service-learning that I have shared on this site. I hope it presents a convincing case for the benefits of implementing service-learning in your classes.

If you don’t have access to PRIMUS and would like a free copy of the article, please feel free to email me at jwilkerson<at>regentsaustin<dot>org.

ABSTRACT:

This research explores the positive impact of service-learning on the disposition of students in mathematics. This was a qualitative case study of high school AP Statistics students who completed a service-learning project. Data were gathered from student interviews, reflection journals, and field observations. The framework for the analysis follows the definition of “productive disposition” offered by the National Research Council and that remains foundational to the Common Core Standards for Mathematical Practice. The major themes that emerge from the data indicate that through service-learning, students see math as sensible, useful, and worthwhile. This supports the potential of service-learning as a pedagogical tool that can be utilized to develop a productive disposition in students; addressing at a practical level how the affective objectives of national policy documents can be achieved.

The Regents Podcast: Francis Su on Mathematics for Human Flourishing

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The Regents Podcast is aimed to think about and equip how we practice that which is true, good, and beautiful in a 21st century context. The podcast gives Regents School of Austin a format to share with our community and beyond the amazing stories happening on our campus, and help equip parents shepherding their children’s hearts.

I had the pleasure to host a recent episode with Francis Su as my guest. Francis has written a book on Mathematics for Human Flourishing in which he examines the virtues cultivated through the study of mathematics.

You can find out more about the book on Francis’s homepage.

You can listen to the podcast here.

Podcast summary:

Dr. Francis Su, the Benediktsson-Karwa Professor of Mathematics at Harvey Mudd College and author of the book “Mathematics for Human Flourishing”, joins Dr. Josh Wilkerson to discuss how the study of mathematics, at all levels, is an important human pursuit.

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The Regents Podcast: Practical and Service Applications of Math

joshwilkersonLeave a comment

The Regents Podcast is aimed to think about and equip how we practice that which is true, good, and beautiful in a 21st century context. The podcast gives Regents School of Austin a format to share with our community and beyond the amazing stories happening on our campus, and help equip parents shepherding their children’s hearts.

I was recently a guest on the podcast, along with four students from my AP Statistics class. We were invited to discuss their service-learning project in which they parter with a local homeless ministry for survey research and evaluating organizational effectiveness. You can listen to the podcast here. 

Podcast summary:

Dr. Josh Wilkerson and a group of four AP Statistics Students (Cade Morris, Caroline Hooten, Lucy Gifford, and Chris Kuhlman) talk about their class survey/data analysis project with Mobile Loaves and Fishes and how they were impacted by the residents at the Community First! Village.

Note: this conversation was recorded last Spring and the Junior students who were involved are now Seniors!

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