By Benjamin M Torsney (Temple University ), Catherine Pressimone Beckowski (Temple University), Amani Rush (Temple University), Fernando Roldan (Temple University), Shane Nelson (Temple University), Francisco Villa (Temple University)
Information
Albums and Algorithms is a music-themed general education quantitative literacy course designed to introduce undergraduate students to statistical analyses. Offered during the fall and spring semesters at a research university, the course typically enrolls 100–130 students. Students attend a weekly large lecture and are divided across four recitation sections instructed by teaching assistants. Course assignments are structured around one semester-long collaborative project, during which small groups of students develop research questions, design and administer surveys, and analyze and share results. The project culminates in a data presentation and written report. Students are formatively assessed through weekly labs and monthly quizzes and receive regular feedback on their project components. This approach fosters a supportive classroom environment, promotes active learning, endeavors to lessen students’ anxiety about statistics, and encourages students to personally engage with course concepts (Bromage et al., 2022; Lalayants, 2012; Meng, 2009). In this poster presentation, we will provide an overview of the course design and project as well as observations and recommendations for instructors interested in adopting a similar approach. We expect to share preliminary findings from our study that detail how Albums and Algorithms supported student belonging, engagement, and motivation.