Creating Problems and Their Solutions: Service-Learning Through Trinity Mathematics Triathlons, Math Nights, and Math Centers

Abstract

We describe several service-learning initiatives implemented by the mathematics and education departments. College students with majors and minors in math and math education have helped to design and implement math events for elementary and middle school students. Formal and informal reflections on these service-related experiences have demonstrated the potential impact on future teaching and learning goals for the pre-service teachers. College students taking a statistics course have analyzed data from some of these math events, using both descriptive and inferential methods. Teachers of participating elementary and middle schools have re-examined their textbook and curriculum choices in light of their students' performance at these math events.

Keywords:

• Service-learning
• content and process standards for teaching and learning math
• Math Triathlons

Notes

¹For sample individual, team, and relay event problems, please visit http://tcc.trnty.edu/mathtriathlon/