Mathematics in Service to the Community: Concepts and Models for Service-learning in the Mathematical Sciences

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Mathematics in Service to the Community
Foreword
Contents
1  Introduction and Overview
	What Is Service-Learning?
	The Status of Service-Learning in the Mathematical Sciences
	The Organization of This Book
	The Educational Context for Service-Learning in Mathematics
	The Institutional Perspective
	Getting Started
	Acknowledgments
	References
	About the Author
2  Service-Learning in Mathematical Modeling
	2.1  Perspectives on Modeling Applications in a Service-Learning Framework
		Introduction
		How to Prepare and Deliver a Service-Learning Course
		Assessing the Student Experience
		The Essays on Mathematical Modeling
		References
		About the Author
	2.2  Real World Consulting: The Saint Olaf Mathematics Practicum
		Introduction
		Academic Environment
		Finding Potential Problems and Sponsors
		Faculty Roles in Group Work
		Starting the Course
		Days 4 to 15
		The Last Week: Presentation Rehearsals
		The Final Presentation
		Evaluation and Grading
		Finding Faculty to Teach It
		Adaptations to Other Environments
		Summary
		About the Author
	2.3  The Baltimore City Fire Department Staffing Problem
		Introduction
		Background
		The Staffing Problem
		Mathematical Model and Results
		Structure of the Project
		Challenges
		Conclusion
		Acknowledgements
		References
		About the Authors
	2.4 Creating Service-Learning Experience in an Experiential Learning Environment
		Introduction
		The College of Wooster AMRE Program
		Two AMRE projects
		Interactive Web-Site Enabling Ohio Growers To Obtain Plant Phenology Information To Be Used In Pest Management Decisions
		Web Database Project to Facilitate Collection and Retrieval of Language Sample Data
		Work and Learning
		Service-Learning and AMRE
		Conclusion
		References
		About the Author
	2.5  The Mathematics Umbrella: Modeling and Education
		Introduction
		Calculus Courses and Real Life Problems
		From Simple Questions to Challenging Models
		Conclusion
		References
		About the Author
	2.6  Designing Efficient Snow Plow Routes: A Service-Learning Project
		Introduction
		A Mathematical Model
		Administrative Process Throughout the Term
		The Good News and the Challenges
		Closing Remarks
		References
		About the Author
3  Service-Learning in Statistics
	3.1  Perspectives on Statistics Projects in a Service-Learning Framework
		Introduction
		The Scope of Service-Learning in Statistics
		Diverse Faculty Approaches
		Conclusions
		References
		About the Author
	3.2  Making Meaning, Applying Statistics
		Introduction
		The Course and Its Goals
		Choosing a Project
		Finding a Driving Question
		Study Design and Project Types
		Dealing with Data
		Inference and Synthesis
		Teamwork and Assessment
		The Writing Associate
		Long Term Relationships and Effects on Partners
		Difficulties Applying Statistics
		Student Reaction
		Conclusion
		References
		About the Authors
	3.3  Integration of Service-Learning into Statistics Education
		Introduction
		Background
		Course Structure
		Civic Engagement Workbook
		Course Content
		Course Survey Results
		Conclusions
		References
		About the Authors
	3.4  Community Service Projects in a First Statistics Course
		Introduction
		Types of Projects
		Client Summaries
		Rappahannock Area Office on Youth
		Association for Retarded Citizens – Rappahannock
		Program Assessments
		Rappahannock Council Against Sexual Assault
		Fredericksburg Area HIV/AIDS Support Services
		Community Surveys
		Friends of the Rappahannock
		Issues for Successful Implementation
		Reflection Assignments
		Working with Faculty in other Disciplines
		Dealing with Data
		Project Management
		Fostering a Commitment to Service
		Promotion and Tenure Issues
		Additional comments
		References
		About the Author
	3.5  Service-Learning Projects in Data Interpretation
		Introduction
		Volunteer McKinney Center
		Project Descriptions
		American Red Cross
		Collin County Committee on Aging
		Difficulties Encountered
		Conclusion
		References
		Web Resources
		About the Author
4  Educated-Oriented Service-Learning Projects in Mathematics
	4.1  Perspectives on Education-Oriented Mathematics Projects in a Service-Learning Framework
		Introduction and Overview of Projects
		Learning Issues
		Service Aspects
		Further Implementation Issues
		Institutional Issues and Funding
		Author’s Experience
		Conclusions
		Acknowledgements
		References
		About the Author
	4.2  Technology-College Algebra Service-Learning Project: “Surviving College Algebra”
		Introduction
		A Symbiotic Need for the Service-Learning Project
		The Technology-College Algebra Service Learning Project
		Impact on the Education Students
		Impact on the College Algebra Students
		Participant Assessments
		References
		About the Author
	4.3  K–12 Math Tutoring as a Service-Learning Experience for Elementary Education Students
		Introduction
		Teacher Selection
		Student Selection
		Student Enrollment
		Grading
		Student Reflections
		Teacher Evaluations
		Discussion
		Conclusion
		Appendix I  Service learning expectations form
		Appendix II  Student evaluation form
		References
		About the Author
	4.4  Service-Learning for Pre-service Teachers and Developmental Math Students
		Introduction
		Motivation for Using Service-Learning
		Initiating the Activity
		Ongoing Assessment
		Reflections
		Reactions from Pre-service Teachers
		Reactions from Developmental Math Students
		Challenges
		Conclusion
		About the Author
	4.5  America Counts: A Tutoring Program for the Twenty-first Century
		Introduction
		Objectives and Goals
		Criteria for Schools and Students
		Collaboration with Others
		The Tutors: Recruitment and Training
		On-going Program Support and Evaluation
		Results and Accomplishments
		Difficulties
		Reflection
		References
		About the Author
	4.6  Can We Teach Social Responsibility? Finite Mathematics Students at an Urban Campus Tutor At-Risk Youth
		Background
		A Service-learning Option Is Born
		Grading Issues
		The Community Partnerships
		Other Programmatic Aspects
		Conclusion
		References
		About the Author
	4.7  Math Carnivals: A Celebration of Mathematics
		Introduction
		Objectives
		Reactions of the Teacher Candidates
		Planning and Challenges
		The Reflection Process
		Adaptations
		References
		About the Authors
	4.8  Connecting Mathematics to Real-World Classrooms through Service-Learning
		Introduction
		Overview and Objectives of the Math Trail
		Problem Creation for the Math Trail Sites
		Logistics of Running the Math Trail
		Reflection Component of the Math Trail Assignment
		Student Reactions to the Math Trail
		Level of Student Accomplishment in Math Trail Activities
		Evolution of the Math Trail
		Other Service-Learning Activities: Tutoring and the Garden Project
		Objectives for After-School Tutoring and the Garden Project
		After-School Tutoring and Garden Project Reflection
		Student Reactions to Math 309 and Math 310 Projects
		Challenges in Service-Learning Projects
		Projects Are Works in Progress
		Acknowledgments
		About the Author
	4.9  Family Math Nights: Sharing Our Passion for Mathematics
		Introduction
		The Challenge
		Service-Learning Involvement
		Goals and Objectives
		The Procedure
			The Build Up
			The Execution
			The Aftermath
		A Look Back
		The Road Ahead
		About the Author
	4.10  The Community Math Teaching Project
		Introduction
		Objectives and General Course Structure
		Introductory Segment
		Weekly Labs
		Assignments and Reflection
		Logistics
		Impacts and Challenges
		References
		About the Authors
5  Untapped Possibilities?
	Introduction
	Financial Mathematics and Organizational Management
	Advanced Courses Other Than in Modeling and Statistics
	Geometry and Trigonometry
	Additional Opportunities in Modeling
	Conclusions
	About the Author
6  Getting Down to Work—A “How-To” Guide for Designing and Teaching a Service-Learning Course
	Introduction
	Defining the Concept of a Service-Learning Project
	Resources Inside and Outside the University
	Finding a Community Partner Organization: Using Mathematics for Public Problem Solving
	Tips for Success in Working with a Community Partner
	Tips for Preparing and Working with Students on a Service-Learning Project
	Timeline for Designing and Teaching a Service-Learning Course
	Requiring Service-Learning in Your Course
	Levels of Logistical Complexity of Service-Learning Projects
	Annotated Bibliography
		Print Resources to Aid in Service-Learning Course Construction
		General Background on Service-Learning
		Assessment
		On-line Resources
	About the Authors