David Klanderman, Professor of Mathematics, has been working on a project for two years. The project had its origin at Trinity Christian College, where Prof. Klanderman taught before coming to Calvin. It originated with his student at the time, Ben Gliesmann. Ben wanted to examine why students choose to pursue math and what causes them to persist. Ben and Dave are collaborating with three others; (one of these is Klanderman's daughter Sarah, who is working on her PhD in math at Michigan State). The team administered a survey to hundreds of students in middle schools, high schools and colleges - both public and private. What they discovered was that teachers, parents, and other family members are the biggest influences (motivators). Grades are a motivator, and for college students, the possiblity of a job in the field is a high motivator. 

Professor Klanderman's second project is a paper that addresses Christian teaching within STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math). He and others will present on this subject at the INCHE Conference in October (International Network for Christian Higher Education). The conference will be here at Calvin.