Research process - An introduction

At the beginning of the workshop, we talked about how visual stimuli - such as images - can help to identify socially relevant topics. This served as inspiration to raise awareness of the link between research and everyday life. The students were then given an overview of the key steps of a research process. We reflected that we had already successfully completed some stages in our project - such as formulating a research interest, researching the literature and developing research questions. The focus was now on understanding the next steps:

• Selection and creation of the survey instrument
• Implementation of data collection and
• Evaluation of the collected data

Practical insights: Students get to know methods

In order to make the theory of the various survey instruments tangible, the students tested methods such as classic questionnaires or comparative judgment.

• Questionnaires: We discussed the structure, questions and possible response scales in order to obtain valid results.
• Comparative Judgement: An exciting method in which comparisons are made between different works or solutions in order to assess their quality.

The students also received a transcript of a group discussion from a previous project phase. Using the content analysis method, they examined the statements and categorized them in terms of content. In doing so, they gained their first insights into qualitative data analysis and its requirements.

Creative phase: Develop your own survey instruments

After the practical exercises, things got creative: in small groups, the students collected their own ideas on which survey tools they could use for their research. Suggestions included traditional surveys and the use of social media tools, as well as examples such as various scenarios that would trigger participants to think about certain topics.

Teamwork and further steps

In order to better coordinate further tasks, the students have divided themselves into teams. From now on, each group will take responsibility for a specific part of the research process - from the development of the survey instrument to the subsequent data analysis.

The students are now starting to work independently, with the support of our team. We look forward to seeing the first results and making further progress in the research work together!

A successful final

To round off the intensive and productive day, we went out for pizza together. This was not only a well-earned refreshment, but also an opportunity to chat about our initial impressions and ideas in a relaxed atmosphere.

We started the day with an interactive get-to-know-you phase, where we discovered the strengths and interests of the participating students. This foundation was important to us in order to create a space for productive collaboration and creative ideas.

Introduction to Critical Math: The garbage example

As an introduction to the topic of “Critical Math”, we analyzed how waste disposal fees could be distributed fairly in a residential building. What factors play a role here? Household size, waste volume or perhaps income? The students worked independently to come up with creative solutions and also tried to incorporate social aspects. Finally, the group discussed which solutions seemed fair and why.

Relevant tasks with a social focus

The students then worked on three tasks derived directly from the topics they had suggested at the kick-off workshop:

The austrian tax system

How does the austrian tax system work and how can we analyze it using mathematical models? The students not only investigated how progressive tax rates work, but also how changes to individual tax areas would affect the overall system if alternative models were introduced. One current topic that was addressed was the so-called “cold progression”. Here, we discussed what impact this has on the tax burden of the population and what reform proposals are being considered in practice.

Risk changes in the healthcare sector

What does it mean if the risk increases by “100 percent”? The students looked at the difference between absolute and relative risk changes in newspaper articles. It was particularly exciting to analyze how these figures are used in the media to reinforce messages.

Mathematics in sports

The sports area offered exciting discussions that showed the students the diversity of mathematical questions:

Scoring in ice hockey: The students compared how different countries organize their scoring systems and what effects these systems have on the course of the game and the strategies of the teams. What happens when a win brings more points than a draw? How do the dynamics of a game change when bonus points are awarded for extra time?

Medal table at the Olympics: This was about how different countries present their successes. Some focus on the total number of medals, others give more weight to gold medals. We discussed alternative methods, such as a presentation that puts medals in relation to population size. It was also exciting to analyze newspaper headlines, some of which take up these approaches in a striking way, and what messages they convey. The students developed their own ideas for fairer ways of presentation that incorporate different perspectives.

Mathematics with an open outcome

A key aspect of the workshop was that there is not always a “right” or “wrong” answer to these tasks. Rather, they provided space for discussion and the development of their own solutions. The students learned that mathematics provides tools for questioning complex social issues.

The workshop showed impressively how mathematics can build bridges - between numbers, real issues and the people they affect. The discussions were lively, the solutions diverse and we are proud to accompany the students on this journey.

The positive feedback was particularly nice: many students were surprised at how exciting the tasks were. One student put it in a nutshell:

I think the tasks were very cool. So nice, yes cool, I don't know how to put it better.

We are looking forward to the next workshop and are excited to see what new ideas and perspectives will emerge!

On 27 September, the time had finally come - our project has officially begun! We organised our kick-off event, where the project team came to the school (BG|BRG St. Martin in Villach) and met with the participating Citizen Scientists, the students.

Das Ziel des Treffens war es, gemeinsam die Ziele des Projekts zu besprechen und erste Ideen für spannende Themen zu entwickeln, die sich in den Matheunterricht integrieren lassen. Die Schüler:innen haben dabei in Kleingruppen kreative Plakate gestaltet, die ihre Ideen visuell festhalten. Diese Plakate könnt ihr am Ende des Blogposts bestaunen!

Unser Team hatte dabei riesigen Spaß und die Begeisterung war förmlich spürbar. Wir freuen uns schon sehr auf die nächsten Treffen und darauf, gemeinsam mit unseren Citizen Scientists weitere Ideen zu entwickeln!

Stay tuned to find out more about our progress!