Leslie Dacosta 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 Faculty,
Bridget White, M.S., M.A.,
Managing Assistant Director
School of General Studies,
General Education Program
K.U. General Education Student
Learning Outcomes
GE SLO’s which cover the areas of Knowledge, Skills, and Values, and are
aligned with Kean University vision and mission SLOs.
SLOs—Knowledge—Students will demonstrate proficiency in knowledge and content by:
GEK1: Applying the scientific method to understand natural concepts and processes (KU1, 2, 4).
GEK 2: Evaluating major theories and concepts in social sciences (KU1, 2, 4).
GEK3: Relating literature to historical context (KU 1, 2, 4).
GEK4: Evaluating major theories and concepts in the fine arts (KU1, 2, 4).
SLOs—Skills—Students will demonstrate the skills and technology
necessary to:
GES1: Write to communicate and clarify learning (KU1, 4).
GES2: Communicate effectively through speech (KU1, 4).
GES3: Solve problems using quantitative reasoning (KU1, 4).
GES4: Think critically about concepts in multiple disciplines (KU1, 2, 4).
GES5: Demonstrate information literacy (KU1, 2, 4).
SLOs—Values—Students will exhibit a set of values that demonstrates:
GEV1: Personal responsibility (KU2, 3).
GEV2: Ethical and social responsibility (KU2, 3).
GEV3: Social and civic engagement (KU2, 3).
GEV4: Respect for diverse cultures and perspectives (KU1, 2, 3).
GEV5: Life-long learning (KU1, 2, 3, 4).
GE Skill 3: Students will demonstrate the skills
and technology necessary to solve problems
using quantitative reasoning (KU1, 4).
So what exactly will they demonstrate? What
technology will they demonstrate? What problems will
they solve, and finally what exactly is 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
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math.
The ability to think clearly and
critically about quantitative issues
Deductive reasoning
Students don’t have to know math
now, they need to know how to use
technology to solve math problems.
Numeracy
Algebra
I have math anxiety
100%
The Strands of QR
The Strands of QR
Algebraic Thinking
 What is it?
 Analytical tools for problem solving
 Reasoning skills
 Understanding patterns, relations and functions
 Representation skills
Algebraic Thinking
 Where is it used?
 Business
 Finance
 Science and Mathematics
 Computer Science
Algebraic Thinking
 How is it applicable?
 Business Modeling
 Mergers & Acquisitions
 Programming
 Research
Algebraic Thinking
 Why 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 1016
 Basic 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 continued
 Course focuses on application
 Ideas 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 1010
Foundations of Math
Math 1010
Foundations of Math
Who?
What?
Why?
Math 1010
Foundations of Math
Proportional Reasoning
(Multiplicative Thinking)
Math 1010
Selected Topics:
Sets
Numbers and Numerals
Linear Equations and Formulas
Proportions
Geometry
Probability
(math content)
Math 1030
Problem Solving
Math 1030
Problem Solving
Who?
What?
Why?
Math 1030
Problem Solving




Focus on solving methods using non-routine problems
Develop multiple solutions to problems
Analyze problems and solutions
Practice 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 1030
Problem 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 1030
Problem Solving
Some 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 1030
Problem Solving
Life is a word problem.
Maths 1010 1016 1030
Quantitative Reasoning
Information Literacy
Critical Thinking
Analysis/Analytical Thinking
Maths
Communication
Research and Technology
Sciences
Liberal Arts
Business
.
.
.
Which strand of quantitative reasoning best
suits your department’s needs?
A. Algebraic reasoning
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(Math 1000/Math
1054)
B. Statistical reasoning
(Math 1016)
C. Proportional
reasoning (Math 1010)
D. Problem Solving
(Math 1030)
Did you find this session on QR
effective?
A. Strongly Agree
B. Agree
C. Neutral
D. Disagree
E. Strongly Disagree
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