Service-Learning Projects in Linked Mathematics and Computer Technology Courses

摘要

We describe discussing and writing about mathematics in an interdisciplinary service-learning-based mathematics course linked to a computer technology course. The linkage encourages an appreciation of mathematics, technology, and communication skills, since students see an immediate use for these skills in completing actual service-learning projects. Placing these related subjects in parallel, faculty emphasize communicating mathematics, applications, discussing data, methodology, and analysis of the results. A major part of the evaluation of students is their writing and presentation of completed projects to client organizations. Through this association of mathematics, technology, and service-learning projects, students 1. gain comprehension of the relevance of the concepts articulated in these areas; 2. write about and discuss mathematics and its applications; 3. obtain better preparation to apply these skill sets in future academic undertakings; 4. practice basic skills of information technology; and 5. apply mathematics, technology, and communication skills to solve service-learning projects. We emphasize how the use of service-learning projects helps students to gain greater understanding of mathematics, as well as to improve their understanding of mathematics language, ability to communicate findings, and write recommendations to non mathematics clients.