Leslie Dacosta M.S., G.E. Program Math Faculty, Leslie Dacosta M.S., G.E. Program Math Faculty,

Kathleen Lodge, M.S., G.E. Program Math Faculty,Kathleen Lodge, M.S., G.E. Program Math Faculty,

Elizabeth Sieminski, M.S., M.A. Ed., G. E. Math Program Elizabeth Sieminski, M.S., M.A. Ed., G. E. Math Program Faculty, Faculty,

Bridget White, M.S., M.A.,Bridget White, M.S., M.A.,

Managing Assistant DirectorManaging Assistant Director

School of General Studies, School of General Studies,

General Education ProgramGeneral Education Program

K.U. General Education Student Learning Outcomes

GE Skill 3: Students will demonstrate the skills and GE Skill 3: Students will demonstrate the skills and technology necessary to solve problems using technology necessary to solve problems using quantitative reasoning (KU1, 4). quantitative reasoning (KU1, 4).

So what exactly will they demonstrate? What So what exactly will they demonstrate? What technology will they demonstrate? What problems technology will they demonstrate? What problems will they solve, and finally what exactly is will they solve, and finally what exactly is quantitative reasoning? quantitative reasoning?

Let’s think about what Quantitative Reasoning looks like…

This is a scene from “Moneyball” a movie about baseball. Peter Brand (Jonah Hill) shows Billy Beane (Brad Pitt) a different way at looking at baseball statistics.

What is Quantitative Reasoning?

A. Solve real world problems with math.

B. The ability to think clearly and critically about quantitative issues

C. Deductive reasoningD. Students don’t have to know math

now, they need to know how to use technology to solve math problems.

E. NumeracyF. AlgebraG. I have math anxiety

Solve real w

orld pro

ble..

The ability to

think c

lear..

Deductive re

asoning

Students

don’t have to

...

Numeracy

Algebra

I have m

ath anxie

ty

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The Strands of QR

The Strands of QR

Algebraic ThinkingWhat is it?

Analytical tools for problem solving Reasoning skillsUnderstanding patterns, relations and

functionsRepresentation skills

Algebraic ThinkingWhere is it used?

Business Finance Science and MathematicsComputer Science

Algebraic ThinkingHow is it applicable?

Business ModelingMergers & Acquisitions Programming Research

Algebraic ThinkingWhy is it important?

It has diversified applicability across multiple majors as a core and fundamental knowledge foundation in everyday activities

Algebraic methods can be applied to many types of problem solving across the curriculum

Statistical Literacy

“Statistical thinking will one day be as necessary for efficient citizenship as the ability to read and write.”-H.G. Wells

Statistical thinking, or statistical literacy, is the capability to calculate, understand and explain statistical results.

Importance In the world today everything is about data. Data helps to make important decisions in the fields of psychology, sociology, criminology, economics, business, medicine, sports, education, engineering, and government (just to name a few areas).In teaching statistical literacy- the student is given the tools needed to think for himself and ability to communicate and use these findings to help shape their field.

Math 1016Basic level of statistical literacy that can span

throughout many disciplines

Objective of the course is to have the student become “wise consumers” of data and to be able to make data “meaningful”

Math 1016 continuedCourse focuses on applicationIdeas covered include:- overview of descriptive statistics and basic

probability- data appreciation and understanding of the basics- data collection, analysis and results- Written and verbal communication of the results

Assessing Statistical Literacy: Projects

Explanation

Examples

Project 1 Continued

Math 1010Foundations of Math

Math 1010Foundations of Math

Who?What?Why?

Math 1010Foundations of Math

Proportional Reasoning

(Multiplicative Thinking)

Math 1010Selected Topics:

SetsNumbers and Numerals

Linear Equations and FormulasProportionsGeometryProbability

(math content)

Math 1030Problem Solving

Math 1030Problem Solving

Who?What?Why?

Math 1030Problem SolvingFocus on solving methods using non-routine problemsDevelop multiple solutions to problemsAnalyze problems and solutionsPractice meta-cognitive skills in problem solving

Why this method and not another? Is this the best answer? The best solution? What should I try? Could I solve this problem in another way? Are there other solutions? What makes this problem easy/hard/solvable? Why would I want to solve this problem?

Math 1030Problem Solving

Some methods/processes: Look for a pattern Draw a diagram, graph, chart Represent concretely/simulate Eliminate possibilities Guess and test Organize data Change focus/point of view/representation Estimate

Math 1030Problem SolvingSome topics/content categories:

Classic problems and puzzles Logic problems Algebra Geometry Counting and Probability Proofs without words Paradoxes Real-life problems Problems with extraneous information Problems with missing information

Math 1030Problem Solving

Life is a word problem.

Maths 1010 1016 1030

Quantitative Reasoning

Information Literacy

Critical Thinking

Analysis/Analytical ThinkingMaths

CommunicationResearch and Technology

SciencesLiberal Arts

Business...

Which strand of quantitative reasoning best suits your department’s needs? A. Algebraic reasoning

(Math 1000/Math 1054)

B. Statistical reasoning (Math 1016)

C. Proportional reasoning (Math 1010)

D. Problem Solving (Math 1030)

Algebrai

c reaso

ning (Mat.

..

Statistica

l reaso

ning (Ma..

Proporti

onal reas

oning ...

Problem Solving (M

ath 1...

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