Title:

Students' Reported Use of Quantitative Literacy in Subsequent Science Courses

Speaker:      
Abe Edwards

Position:
Ph.D. Candidate in Mathematics Education at Michigan State University

Abstract:

In many colleges and universities, students take mathematics courses that emphasize quantitative literacy (QL). One purpose of such courses is to prepare students for success in subsequent general science courses. Assessing the value of QL courses is challenging, and standard metrics such as pass rates and completion times tell only part of the story. My research follows a small group of undergraduates into their general science courses to see when and how topics from their QL course arise. Through interviews with students and science instructors, we hope to better understand the complex relationship between QL and general science instruction. I am still in the data collection phase, which will end in December.

About the Speaker:

Abe currently holds a B.S. and M.A. in Mathematics, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Mathematics Education at Michigan State University. Prior to coming to MSU, he served as a high school math and science teacher in Ohio, and taught mathematics and statistics at two community colleges. His research interests center on issues related to undergraduate mathematics education- including quantitative literacy and statistics education.