Pre-Service Teacher Engagement

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Although data science is increasingly becoming part of the K-12 curriculum, data science classes are often assigned to ill-prepared mathematics or science teachers. Therefore, many students taking these classes are neither prepared nor inspired to continue with data science coursework at the community college or four-year institution level.

PIPE-LINE aims to narrow this gap by incorporating data science classroom observations into students’ preparation for a credential program. Students who participate in the Pre-Service Teacher Engagement program critically reflect on their own methodological and pedagogical skills and how those skills can be applied in the data science classroom.

Program Requirements

  • Enroll in one unit of Undergraduate Research (Math 497) or Independent Study (Math 499) at CSUF
  • Contribute to discussion sessions with PIPE-LINE faculty and other program participants addressing student engagement, culturally responsive data science teaching, and other relevant topics
  • Observe six sessions of classes in introductory data science (Math 237 or CPSC 375) and related fields appropriate to the student’s teaching interests, selected in conjunction with PIPE-LINE faculty mentors
  • Write a reflective paper describing the skills and attitudes the student has developed through the program
  • Design and refine a classroom observation tool adapting principles of culturally responsive pedagogy to the data science classroom (Undergraduate Research students only)

Interested students should contact Dr. Martinez-Cruz for additional information.

Project PIPE-LINE is a collaboration between California State University Fullerton, Riverside City College, Rio Hondo College, and University of California Irvine. Funded by California Learning Lab: Building Critical Mass for Data Science