An easy-to-search database of hundreds of high-quality service-learning lesson plans, syllabi, and project ideas, submitted by educators and service-learning practitioners
The world's largest service-learning library, with full-text and print resources
Source: Rachel L. Vaughn, Sarena D. Seifer, and Tanis Vye Mihalynuk, Community-Campus Partnerships for Health, May 2004
Service-learning in the mathematics curriculum provides a rich opportunity for students to learn while contributing to their communities.Service-learning in higher education integrates community service with academic instruction. Students participate in organized curricular projects that address community needs, while enhancing their academic knowledge and skills and fostering civic responsibility.
Examples of mathematics service-learning experiences include tutoring, environmental data monitoring and analysis (statistics), building structures (geometry–slopes and angles), and designing transportation routes (discrete / combinatorial math). Mathematics service-learning projects can be a mechanism for effectively translating seemingly abstract principles such as algebra, geometry, and trigonometry into practice.Through service-learning experiences, students are able to see renewed value in their education by meeting community needs, applying knowledge to real-world situations and effectively 'making a difference'.
Survey research findings indicate that the middle school years are when American math competency starts to plummet. In response to this trend, as well as to better fulfill the National Education Goals, including "The United States will be first in the world in mathematics and science achievement"; the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) and the American Association of Higher Education (AAHE) are collaborating on a project to advance service-learning in mathematics education.In 1998, the United States Department of Education (DOE) asked Campus Compact to assemble and provide successful models for math tutoring for the middle school grades by college students.
Web resources
- Resources for math and reading tutoring programs. Washington ,DC: Corporation for National and Community Service and Department of Education, 2002. http://www.nationalserviceresources.org/files/legacy/filemanager/download/579/arlist.pdf (101K pdf)
This downloadable manual provides resources for math and reading tutoring programs, which includes program models, websites of interest, and relevant list serves. - Campus Compact discipline specific syllabi (math) http://www.compact.org/initiatives/syllabi/
The Campus Compact website offers discipline specific syllabi that incorporate service-learning. Simply click on Browsing the Syllabi and select Math to see examples. This website is updated frequently, so check back often for new examples. - Education Northwest: mathematics resources http://educationnorthwest.org/category/topics/mathematics
Provides links and resources related to math tutoring - The Engaged University: Integrating Research, Education and Community Service. Ramaley, Judith. (paper, "A Conference on Undergraduate Research and Scholarship and the Mission of the Research University", College Park, MD, November 14-15, 2002).
The author discusses how a "research university that embraces civic engagement can change the nature of the undergraduate experience in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)". - Introduction to statistics syllabus. Hampton, Mark C. Salt Lake City: University of Utah, 1995. http://www.evergreen.loyola.edu/~rcrews/sl/syllabi/hampton107.html
The syllabus details a service component, options including working with a non-profit service agency which requires survey research for program evaluation, grant applications, or client needs assessment as identified by instructor. - Service-learning course-book in mathematics. Winchester, Benjamin S. Morris, MN: University of Minnesota, 1996.
This links to the 1996 edition of the Service-learning course book in mathematics, developed in cooperation with the Minnesota Campus Compact. Chapters which can be downloaded include: Overview of service-learning in mathematics; Evaluation; Areas of Analysis; Course Descriptions; Community Based Resources; and many others. - Arizona State University science and math service-learning. Tempe: ASU, 2003. http://servicelearning.asu.edu/
This website provides an overview of the service-learning program at Arizona State University.
Print resources
- Austin, S.S., Berceli, C.L., Mathews, S. "When Will I Ever Use This Stuff Anyway?" Mathematics Teacher 92, no.9(1999): 798.
Provides examples of how service-learning projects help student understanding of mathematics. - Campus Compact. Science and Society: Redefining the Relationship. Washington, DC: Learn and Serve America and Education Commission of the States, 1996.
In an attempt to provide instructive models of the design and implementation processes commonly associated with service-learning courses, this publication maps the development of 18 service-learning courses in the SEAMS (Science, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics, and Computer Science) disciplines at the high school and college levels. - Carr, Kevin. "Building Bridges and Crossing Borders: Using Service-Learning to Overcome Cultural Barriers to Collaboration Between Science and Education Departments." School Science and Mathematics, 102, no.6(2002): 285-298.
This article describes several successful and unsuccessful collaboration efforts between scientists and educators that took place during the creation of an interdepartmental service-learning project, Science Outreach, at George Fox University. - Duke, J. "Service-Learning: Taking Mathematics into the Real World." Mathematics Teacher 92, no.9(1999): 794-798.
The author talks about the potential for service-learning in the secondary and collegiate math classrooms. He discusses the need for careful planning by faculty, students and community participants, and mentions potential service-learning projects such as environmental monitoring and projects in which advanced students tutor less advanced students. - Guidebook to Excellence 1994. A Directory of Federal Resources for Mathematics and Science Education Improvement. Columbus, OH: Eisenhower National Clearinghouse for Mathematics and Science Education, Office of Educational Research and Improvement, 1994.
The purpose of this directory is to assist educators, parents, and students in attaining the National Education Goals, particularly Goal 4: "By the year 2000, U.S. students will be first in the world in science and mathematics achievement." The document has three sections, concluding with an index of teacher programs; student programs; comprehensive programs; evaluation, dissemination, and technical assistance programs; and educational technology programs. - Horwood, Bert. Experience and the Curriculum. Boulder, CO: Association for Experiential Education, 1995.
In this book, teachers describe and reflect on the practice of experiential education in elementary, secondary, college, and outdoor settings. Includes the article: "No Strings Attached: Personalizing Mathematics." - Ramaley, Judith A. "K-12 Science and Mathematics Reform: A Focus for the Engaged Institution." In John Saltmarsh, ed. Service-Learning and Civic Engagement in Higher Education. Special issue Journal of Public Affairs, June 2002.
- Ritter-Smith, Kathryn. When Community Enters the Equation: Enhancing Science, Mathematics and Engineering Education Through Service-Learning. Providence, RI: Campus Compact, 1998.
The anthology includes the following essay related to service-learning in mathematics: "Enhancing Our Courses: New Dimensions Through Service-Learning" (mathematics) by J. Kleinman. - Winchester, Benjamin.S. Service-Learning Coursebook in Mathematics. Morris, MN: University of Minnesota, 1996.
Includes process of implementation, areas of analysis, course descriptions, course integration and processes, data descriptions, community-based resources, availability and distribution of reports, assessment tools, individual course packets and questionnaire materials. - Wozniak, Jacci. Mathematics and Science Faculty Service-Learning Handbook. Melbourne, Florida: Brevard Community College, 1996.
Includes a development form for integrating service-learning into a course, a reasoning objectives matrix, a student application, a learning hour report and an evaluation form.
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