The culmination of my
liberal arts general education mathematics ourse at Drake University is a
research paper. This writing project
typically generates more engagement than any other assignment in the course
since the students get to choose the topic themselves.
Most students in this
class do not have a positive view of mathematics. As a means to help them see how mathematics relates to their
lives, students are strongly encouraged to base their paper on a personal
interest. For example, art students
might examine the role of mathematics in painting, sports fans might write
about statistics and educators might create lesson plans.
This presentation will
briefly describe the course, but the focus will be on the writing project. I will discuss the preparation process for
the project, which is modeled on what's typically done in a writing course and
is designed to help students sharpen their writing, as well as ensure
sufficient mathematical content.
I will also present
examples of student projects--both successful and otherwise--as well as discuss
student reactions.