Three WSE students receive PURE awards

The Werklund School of Education is proud to celebrate the success of three of our exceptional undergraduate students, who have been selected to receive Program for Undergraduate Research Experience awards from the Office of the Provost.

 

Dave Block

Describe your PURE project: what did it look like, why did this interest you?

For my PURE project, I interviewed current University of Calgary students who completed Calculus 1 and who graduated from an Alberta high school about their experiences and perceptions of the Math 30-1 diploma exam.  I sought to know the role they believed the diploma exam had in developing their mathematical understanding, influencing their attitude about mathematics, and preparing them for post-secondary mathematics courses.  Having taught IB math courses involving an international highly-weighted standardized exam and looking forward to teaching Math 30-1in an Alberta classroom, I wanted to know if these assessments enhance or undermine the learning process and how students perceive the exams.  This investigation was contextualized by literature that opposes standardized testing and sometimes even grading.  As such, I investigated the secondary literature on the American culture of high-stakes standardized testing and the frequently envied Finnish education system to consider how the Math 30-1 diploma exam compares to assessment practices in those cases and how it fits into related literature. 

Although it is impossible to summarize my findings in a response this short, I would say that the example of the Math 30-1 diploma exam fits neither the Finnish or American case, but must be considered on it's own to add to the literature on summative assessment and standardized testing.  Based on my research, I believe that the diploma exam can, in fact, be an effective assessment tool and can enhance student learning.  This is conditional on several factors; from my interviews with the students, it appears that the most influential condition is the math teacher.  The math teacher has a responsibility to frame the exam appropriately for students, to prepare them strategically, and to ensure that "teaching to the test" involves problem solving and critical thinking.  

What does it mean to be selected for a PURE award—what did it allow you to do?

My current goal is to become a certified teacher and teach in an Alberta high school.  This PURE award allowed me to delve deeply into a topic that will have great relevance in my profession.  However, I would also like my teaching career to involve research and writing, as well as connections to post-secondary scholars.  This project allowed me to delve into educational research and scholarship.  Through it, I learned about qualitative research methodology, including sampling techniques, semi-structured interviews, coding transcriptions, and how to write an academic article in the field of education.   Furthermore, I benefited immensely from Dr. Olive Chapman's mentorship and know that this connection is one I can retain when re-entering the teaching profession and one that will allow me to remain engaged with educational scholarship.  Hopefully our work together this past summer will lead to paper publications, conference presentations, and further professional connections.

What would you say to other undergraduate students who might be thinking about applying for these awards?

A PURE award provides excellent opportunities that go beyond the standard undergraduate experience.  You will learn what deep academic research looks like in your field and you will benefit from one-on-one interaction and mentorship from an expert and scholar.  If you believe that you may want to pursue graduate studies at some point in the future, the PURE research award is a great way to get a realistic experience of research and writing, albeit in a condensed from.  

 

Anja Dressler

Describe your PURE project: what did it look like, why did this interest you?

For my PURE project I investigated refugee education and what that means for Alberta. I started by writing a literature review on what makes refugee students unique and how different countries around the world are addressing the needs of the refugee students within their borders. I then used this knowledge to inform me to make recommendations about Alberta specifically and the Syrian refugee students that have entered our school in recent years. I conducted a document analysis of school districts in Alberta that received Syrian refugee students and looked at how they are accommodating them.

I was interested in this project because of how I thought it would benefit both my future teaching, but also help inform current teachers in Alberta. I believe that multiculturalism and accepting refugees is a part of Canadian culture and therefore that developing best practices to support refugee students is an important focus. It is my hope that the work I did this past summer will help teachers help these students.

What does it mean to be selected for a PURE award—what did it allow you to do?

I was very happy to be selected to conduct research this summer using a PURE Award. Through this funding I was able to explore a topic that I found to be both very important to my professional development, but also to be able to add knowledge to the field of education.

What would you say to other undergraduate students who might be thinking about applying for these awards?

My advice for students wishing to applying for a PURE Award in the future would be to take great care in selecting a topic. Students should find a topic that they really, truly want to find out more about. This is a topic that has to be important to you personally, but also to others in your field. It is important to find a topic that you have a passion for and will not easily tire of, because you will be working on it for months and will share with others on a constant basis.

 

Silvana Valera

Describe your PURE project: what did it look like, why did this interest you?

For my PURE project, I examined how different aspects of students’ identities, specifically their gender and relationship with mathematics, influenced their leadership and collaboration in mathematics group work. To explore this, I analyzed four mixed-gender groups’ interactions and individual interviews. This topic interested me because of the stereotypes that are still associated with gender and mathematics. Furthermore, although there are many social and learning benefits associated with group work, previous research has also shown that not all students are benefitting equally. As a future teacher, I am passionate about providing all my students with equal and high quality learning opportunities. Thus, I wanted to explore ways in which teachers can address this inequity in mathematics learning opportunities. My findings highlight the importance for teachers and parents to work together to collectively develop positive math identities among all their students, regardless of gender. It is important for all students to have a positive self-perception of their mathematics abilities, so they can in turn take on leadership roles and develop agency in their mathematics learning.

What does it mean to be selected for a PURE award—what did it allow you to do?

I am very grateful for the opportunity I had this summer to enrich my education degree. Receiving the PURE award allowed me to spend time learning and growing professionally as a pre-service teacher. I have come away from this experience with an enhanced understanding of mathematics education and valuable skills and knowledge that I will be able to bring into my future classroom. Specifically, I feel like I can bring my knowledge of research and theory to critically examine current practices and propose research-informed change and innovation in schools.

What would you say to other undergraduate students who might be thinking about applying for these awards?

If you are passionate about a certain issue in education, or you just love learning, you should apply! Conducting research over the summer is a great way to delve deeper and learn more about what is currently happening in the world of education. Plus, you get to explore your interests under the mentorship of a professor who is an expert in their field.