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

June 24, 2020 joshwilkerson Research on Service-Learning, Resources Dissertation, PRIMUS, Student Perspectives

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.

NCTM Research Conference 2018

April 25, 2018July 20, 2018 joshwilkerson Conference Presentations, Research on Service-Learning Dissertation, NCTMannual, NCTMresearch

I was honored to present my dissertation results at the 2018 NCTM Research Conference in Washington D.C. The paper I submitted was entitled “Cultivating Mathematical Affections through Engagement in Service-Learning.”

You can view the presentation below:

ACMS 2017: Cultivating Mathematical Affections through Engagement in Service-Learning

June 2, 2017 joshwilkerson Conference Presentations, Research on Service-Learning ACMS, Dissertation, Math Affections, Presentation

Here is some information on my talk at the 21st ACMS Conference (2017) at Charleston Southern University.

Abstract:

Why should students value mathematics? While extensive research exists on developing the cognitive ability of students, very little research has examined how to cultivate the affections of students for mathematics. The phrase “mathematical affections” is a play on the affective domain of learning as well as on the general notion of care towards something. Mathematical affections are more than a respect for the utility of the subject; the term is much broader and includes aesthetic features as well as habits of mind and attitude.

This paper will analyze the findings from a research project exploring the impact of service-learning on the cultivation of mathematical affections in students. This was a qualitative case study of high school students who recently completed a service-learning project in their mathematics course. Data was 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 (2001) as well as the concept of formative “cultural liturgies” offered by the philosopher James K.A. Smith (2009).

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.

PowerPoint:

References:

Goldin, G.A. (2002). Affect, meta-affect, and mathematical belief structures. In G.C. Leder, E. Pehkonen, & G. Törner (Eds.), Beliefs: a hidden variable in mathematics education? Netherlands: Kluwer Academic Publishers, pp. 59-72.

Hadlock, C. R. (2005). Mathematics in service to the community: Concepts and models for service-learning in the mathematical sciences (No. 66). Mathematical Association of America.

Krathwohl, D.R., Bloom, B.S., & Masia, B.B. (1964). Taxonomy of educational objectives: Handbook II. Affective Domain. New York: Longman.

National Research Council (2001). Adding it up: Helping children learn mathematics. Washington D.C.: National Academy Press.

Smith, J.K.A. (2009). Desiring the kingdom: Worship, worldview, and cultural formation. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.

Wilkerson, J. (2015). Cultivating Mathematical Affections: The Influence of Christian Faith on Mathematics Pedagogy. In Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith, 67(2), 111-123.

My Dissertation Proposal Defense

July 3, 2016July 12, 2016 joshwilkerson Research on Service-Learning Dissertation, Math Affections

For those who are interested, I will be defending my dissertation proposal in a few weeks (I guess even if you aren’t interested I will still be defending in a few weeks). In brief I will be examining how service-learning in high school mathematics might serve as a vehicle for instilling in students what is often discussed as simply an abstract notion: getting students to habitually appreciate the truth, beauty, and goodness of mathematics.

For those who are REALLY interested, here is a copy of my submitted proposal.