Ithaca College

Assistant professor of sociology Stephen Sweet, associate professor of sociology Susanne Morgan (who also heads the Center for Faculty Excellence), and Danette Ifert Johnson, associate professor and chair of the Department of Speech Communication, have had an article accepted for publication in the journal Numeracy. The article, "Using Local Data to Advance Quantitative Literacy," details the ways local data have been integrated in classes at Ithaca College and demonstrates pedagogical strategies to advance quantitative literacy.

The learning modules discussed were applied in courses in sociology and communication, but the strategy of using local data is argued to be applicable beyond these disciplinary boundaries. Assessments demonstrate how local data can be used to stimulate student interest in class discussion and advance analytical skills, as well as develop capacities in written and verbal communication.

The authors conclude by considering concerns that may influence the types of local data used and the challenges of integrating these data into a course in which quantitative analysis is not typically part of the curriculum.