32 Technology in Collegiate Mathematics...GGC Course Goals for QR After successfully completing this...

32nd International Conference on

Technology in Collegiate Mathematics

ORLANDO, FL | MARCH 12-14

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What's the Meaning of This?Exploring QR Concepts

Using Excel




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Alvina J. Atkinson

Professor of Mathematics

Georgia Gwinnett College

[email protected]

Sarah H. Park

Instructor of Mathematics


[email protected]

Lee Ann Roberts

Instructor of Mathematics


[email protected]

Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC)Core Principles

• Student Engagement

• Active Learning

• Integrated Educational Experiences

• The Use of Innovative Educational Technology




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What's the Problem?




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The primary obstacle-Undergraduate Mathematics Courses

• A primary obstacle for students in attaining a college degree, especially degrees in STEM, is the required mathematics course sequence. Historically, first-year college math courses are the primary impediment to graduation for many students in Georgia (Garland, 2012).

• Labor economists recognize that mathematical knowledge and skills are essential to a person’s upward economic and social mobility.

• However, college math courses rather delay or direct students away from achieving their dream and chances at economic stability (USG Transforming College Mathematics, 2013).




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Georgia's Quantitative Skills and

Reasoning Course

Topics include:

• Logic,• Basic Probability,• Data Analysis,• Modeling from

Data

Course Description:

This course emphasizes quantitative reasoning

skills that are needed for informed citizens to

understand the world around them.




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GGC Course Goals for QR

After successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

1. Interpret and use precise mathematical language appropriately, including (but not limited to) the areas of set theory, logic, probability and statistics.

2. Use appropriate technology in the evaluation, analysis, and synthesis of information in problem-solving situations.

3. Use logical connectors appropriately to form compound statements and apply them to applications such as searching databases.

4. Read, interpret, and present data in multiple representations, especially graphical and numerical.

5. Create and analyze combinatorial arguments using tools such as permutations and combinations.

The projects address 60% of the course goals.

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Using Excel as a tool to investigate real-

world contexts




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Bivariate Data Analysis Project




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Major topic sections addressed by the Bivariate Data Analysis Project

• Analyzing Arguments

• Fundamentals of Statistics

• Graphs and tables

• Correlation and Causality

• Characterizing data (Descriptive statistics)

• Measure of Variation

• Linear vs. Exponential Growth

• Linear Modeling




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Bivariate Data Analysis Project

Objective: For this project your team will determine whether two variables that describe each of Georgia's 159 counties are correlated.

I. Select DataII. HypothesisIII. Linear RegressionIV. Characterizing the independent variableV. Characterizing the dependent variableVI. Summary of articlesVII. Possible Explanation for Correlation

Sample Student Group Project:

Is median household income related to %

eligible for HOPE scholarship in GA

counties?

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Data Collection Project




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Major topic sections addressed by the Data Collection Project

• Analyzing Arguments

• Fundamentals of Statistics

• Graphs and tables

• Correlation and Causality

• Characterizing data (Descriptive Statistics)

• Measures of Variation

• Linear vs. Exponential Growth

• Linear Modeling




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First Steps

Translating Informal Ideas into Formal Research Plans

One way to start the process is to pose “I wonder” statements….

Think of a research question that will give a numerical

response.

Submit this for approval.




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General Project Resources:Phases of the Data Collection Project

Your project will consist of several phases, as described below.Each phase is addressed in detail in the sections that follow.1. Choose your variable(s) and identify a research question2. Devise a plan to collect your data3. Submit a project proposal to the instructor and obtain approval4. Once your research question and data collection planare approved, carry out your research:

a) Collect and organize datab) Conduct the appropriate analysisc) Write your results in a report

5. Submit your written report.6. Prepare to present your project to the class.

Sample Student Survey Project:

How Many Times Do You Eat Chick-Fil-A In A

Month?

Sample Student Survey Project:

How Many People Played Video Games In

The Past Week?




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What Do Students Gain?:

Students...

• See how math is used in the real-world• Participate in the process of analyzing data• Experience the world around them through mathematics• Get to think more….and do more• Move beyond “Remembering” & “Understanding”

and moving up into “Applying” & “Analyzing” (Bloom’s Taxonomy) in their first credit level college mathematics course

• See math as a springboard and not as a hurdle




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Student CommentsWhat did you learn from the projects?

• How all the different lessons we’ve had culminate together to analyze a data set in depth….. I learned everything all over again with this project….. It was great review. I was able to understand and analyze all the data we collected…..

• We can apply stats to real life problems….. How to apply knowledge in real life scenarios….. I learned how statistics applies to the real world…. I learned how to apply the in-class concepts we learned onto real life statistics….. I learned more about the concepts we learned in class and how they relate to real world situations.

• That what you think would have a linear correlation end up not having a linear correlation… I learned the significance of having analysis done on data because before this class, I would see data like this and not understand what it meant….I learned a lot about different relations between two things and how it can impact society.

• It helped hit home the fact all we learned this semester is interconnected. I feel like I actually know, understand, and can use statistics because I had to learn to

Thank you for your time!

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