Whether it’s deciding how to finance a car or home, interpreting the validity of a new research study’s conclusions that the media is perhaps over-hyping, evaluating medical treatment (why do some people treat cancer with alternative medicine when its not proven to succeed?), or debating the cost-benefits of non-GMO vs GMO foods, quantitative reasoning can help us reach more valid conclusions.
On Tuesday, March 10th, the Quantitative Reasoning (QR) Fellows of Hunter College along with their faculty mentors, will present at an ACERT Lunchtime Seminar. You may be wondering, “What is quantitative reasoning? Why is it important in my discipline?” Carleton College defines QR as “the habit of mind to consider the power and limitations of quantitative evidence in the evaluation, construction, and communication of arguments in public, professional, and personal life.” QR is essentially the intersection of using basic mathematical skills and critical thinking, and applying them to real world contexts.
QR is different from traditional mathematics because it’s less about how to perform calculations and more about the meaning of a calculation result. QR permeates all areas of life. Whether it’s deciding how to finance a car or home, interpreting the validity of a new research study’s conclusions that the media is perhaps over-hyping, evaluating medical treatment (why do some people treat cancer with alternative medicine when its not proven to succeed?), or debating the cost-benefits of non-GMO vs GMO foods, quantitative reasoning can help us reach more valid conclusions.
You may be wondering how you could possibly apply a QR activity in your own courses. Here are some ideas:
- Compare journalistic reports to the primary source of research (on a topic that is related to your course).
[Example]
- Critically analyze a graph, table, chart, research article, and/or video that is presented in the media.
[Example]
- Graph stories or chapters/segments (great for the humanities!).
[Example]
- Have students describe and analyze graphs that are relevant to your course.
[Example]
QR skills are needed in a variety of disciplines and everyday life, and it is important that students are exposed to it across the curriculum. At Tuesday’s Lunchtime Seminar, we’ll talk about additional examples and tips, as well as brainstorm ideas for your courses. We hope to see many of you there!
References
Carleton College Quantitative Inquiry, Reasoning, and Knowledge (QuIRK) initiative.
Elrod, Susan. 2014. “Quantitative Reasoning: The Next “Across the Curriculum” Movement.” Peer Review 16 (3).
Image credit: Katey Nicosia. Used under a Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial license.
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