Success In Mathematics through Project-based Learning Experiences

越来越多的美国行业表示，需要大量熟练的技术人员来填补各种经济部门现有的和新兴的工作岗位。社区学院特别适合与地区产业结盟，培养熟练的技术劳动力。许多职业和技术教育（CTE）课程要求先决的数学课程，这对学生来说是一个障碍。有充分的证据表明，对数学的恐惧使其他有能力的学生不愿在CTE项目中攻读学位和证书。独立社区学院（ICC）将采用基于证据的实践方法，利用3D制造实验室的能力，为CTE特定的数学课程提供背景。通过积极的学习策略，该团队将鼓励学生接受数学概念和技能之间的相关联系，这些技能在先进制造业等领域至关重要。独立社区学院将建立一个商业和行业领导团队（BILT），进一步指导和背景化数学内容，以满足地区雇主的需求。在三年的时间里，ICC希望提高数学课程的成功率和CTE课程的坚持率。本项目的两个并行策略是：1)建立BILT，以及2)利用麻省理工学院（MIT）认证的校园制造实验室，使用主动学习策略将数学教学情境化。除了课程指导外，BILT还将通过模拟面试、客座讲座和其他个性化互动来增强CTE课程。ICC制造实验室将利用他们的数字制造设备、设计软件和工作室空间，为CTE课程的学生增加传统数学教学的背景。ICC晶圆实验室是国际晶圆实验室网络的成员，最初由麻省理工学院发起。ICC的Fab Lab经理将与ICC的数学讲师合作，开发符合区域行业所需技能和学生自然好奇心的课程。这个项目的成功实践将通过国际晶圆实验室网络在全州范围内传播。该项目由先进技术教育计划资助，该计划侧重于为推动国家经济的先进技术领域培养技术人员。该奖项反映了美国国家科学基金会的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

A growing number of American industries have voiced a need for a large pool of skilled technicians to fill available and emerging jobs in a variety of economic sectors. Community Colleges are uniquely suited to align with regional industries to train the skilled technical workforce. Many career and technical education (CTE) courses require pre-requisite mathematics courses that have been a barrier for students. There is a well-documented fear of mathematics that has been shown to keep otherwise capable students from pursuing degrees and certificates in CTE programs. Independence Community College (ICC) will use an evidence-based, hands-on approach that will leverage the capabilities of a 3D fabrication lab to provide context for CTE specific mathematics courses. Through active learning strategies, the team will encourage students to embrace relevant connections between mathematical concepts and skills that are essential in fields like advanced manufacturing. Independence Community College will establish a Business and Industry Leadership Team (BILT) to further guide and contextualize mathematics content to address the needs of regional employers. Over the three-year period, ICC expects to increase success rates in mathematics courses, and persistence rates in CTE programs. Two parallel strategies that inform this project are: 1) the establishment of a BILT, and 2) utilization of an on-campus Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) certified fabrication laboratory to contextualize mathematics instruction using active learning strategies. In addition to curriculum guidance, the BILT will augment CTE programs with mock interviews, guest lectures, and other personalized interactions. The ICC fabrication laboratory will make use of their digital fabrication equipment, design software, and studio space to add context to traditional mathematics instruction for students in CTE programs. The ICC Fab Lab is a member of the International Fab Lab network, originally initiated by MIT. The Fab Lab manager at ICC will work with ICC’s mathematics instructors to develop curricula that aligns with skills desired by regional industry, and the natural curiosity of students. Successful practices from this project will be disseminated throughout the state, and beyond through the International Fab Lab network. This project is funded by the Advanced Technological Education program that focuses on the education of technicians for the advanced technology fields that drive the nation's economy.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.