ASPIRE in Math
Advancing Students' Proof Practices in Mathematics through Inquiry, Reinvention, and Engagement (ASPIRE in Math)
Principal Investigators: Larsen, Sean (Principle, Portland State University), Strand, Stephen (Co-Principle,
California State University, Chico), Vroom, Kristen (Co-Principle, Michigan State University), Yannotta, Mark (Co-Principle, Clackamas Community College)
Funding: National Science Foundation
Dates the project is funded: October 2019 - September 2023
With support from the NSF Improving Undergraduate STEM Education Program: Education
and Human Resources (IUSE: EHR), this project aims to serve the national interest
by improving undergraduate mathematics education. It will do so by creating curriculum
modules for a transition-to-proof course for both two-year and four-year institutions.
The modules, grounded in inquiry-based instruction, will be developed through a collaboration
between universities and community college across the country. The Teachers Development
Group will provide expertise in developing pedagogical strategies for implementing
the modules. The project will use established methods to create knowledge, as well
as innovative tools that have potential to improve the quality of education experienced
by mathematics students. Actively engaging students in learning through inquiry-based
instruction may enhance the student learning experience in the transition to proofs.
This improvement may increase student entry into and persistence in proof-based mathematics
courses, thus contributing to a mathematically sophisticated STEM workforce. The products
created by the project will be freely available as web-based resources, such as an
online Wiki-style textbook and web-based multimedia instructor supports.
The project seeks to draw on established design research methodology to develop inquiry-based
curricular materials and a suite of resources designed to support instructors in taking
on the challenges associated with ambitious student-centered pedagogy. Project deliverables
will include a modular curriculum (for use in courses designed to help students transition
to advanced proof-based mathematics), web-based instructor support materials, a Wiki-textbook
template, and a professional development workshop. The project will be designed to
create an ideal starting point for mathematics faculty to begin teaching with student-centered
inquiry methods that are known to be more supportive of student success. The project
will investigate how students can be supported in reinventing foundational topics
in real analysis as well as how inquiry-based instruction can provide equitable outcomes.
The project will also investigate the supports instructors need in implementing inquiry-based
instruction. The project outcomes will be disseminated through a professional development
workshop, an open-access repository, conference presentations, and publications. The
NSF IUSE: EHR Program supports research and development projects to improve the effectiveness
of STEM education for all students. Through the Engaged Student Learning track, the
program supports the creation, exploration, and implementation of promising practices
and tools.