News
(a.k.a. transition into a new career focus)
Chris Frank reacts to a gift received at a surprise
retirement party held for her in June. The event was
attended by friends, Georgian College colleagues,
RAP faculty and alumni.
OMG, like research is so kewl! LOL
Students' high school visits inspire next generation of RAPPERS
By Jeff Cole, RAP '04
Part-Time Faculty
Okay, close your eyes and think back. I’ll need some of you to think a little harder, go waaaaay back. Here’s the scene: you’re back at high school…
Hey look, everyone’s wearing uniforms. BBBRRRIIINNNGGG. Uh oh, bell just rang, lunch is over… better hurry to class or the teacher is going to lose it on me. Gosh, I can’t believe how crowded the halls are! Aww, that poor minor niner just dropped his books. Can’t stop to help though… gotta keep moving or I’m gonna be late! Man these halls are really crowded. Ugh, those cafeteria fries aren’t sitting too well. Omigosh… I forgot… I’ve got a presentation to do. Yikes! Wonder if the teacher will believe that my Nano Puppy ate my USB key…
On Monday, April 28, six RAP students lived out their own version of a “back‐to‐school” experience by visiting two Grade 12 Mathematics of Data Management classes from Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board high schools in Barrie.
In the morning excursion, Kim Sanderson, Jill Barber and Geetha Van den Daele presented their major research projects, “Life on the Go!” and “Vital Stats” to students at St. Joan of Arc High School.
“All my students agreed it was very worthwhile,” said Mr. Curtis Columbus, teacher at St. Joan of Arc High School. “Those students who missed out were disappointed after hearing their classmates discuss the RAP students’ presentations.”
“We got to actually see how data management is used in the realworld,” remarked one St. Joan of Arc student. Another said, “I was disappointed when it ended... I wanted to hear more!”
In the afternoon, Arthur Poon, Lynn Dare and Michelle Schilling traveled to St. Joseph’s High School to offer some valuable advice about how to conduct research and illustrated this point through their major research projects, “Student Eats” and “Where R U Now?” Positive sentiments were once again echoed by staff and students alike.
“The presentations were very effective from a teacher’s perspective,” said Ms. Carly Zuke, teacher at St. Joseph’s High School. “We try to give as many realistic examples and data sets as possible, using our textbooks and internet data. These were examples of real studies that the RAP students completed for actual clients, which was fantastic for my students to see. It also helped to show my students how they could apply data management to a career. This was very motivating for students at the senior level.”
“I liked the presentations because they showed me how data sets can be used in the real world,” said one St. Joseph’s student.” Another commented, “The topic about graduation rates was a good one because it was interesting to see how many people actually reach their education goals. That data impacts our lives also.” Another remarked, “The presentation was inspiring because it made me interested in the Research Analyst Program.”
But the learning wasn’t all one‐sided. The six RAP students who participated in the visits came away with their own thoughts about the experience as well. “I really appreciated the opportunity to talk about the major project outside of the usual circle of the program and industry,” said Arthur Poon of his experience at St. Joseph’s. “It was great to have the opportunity to speak to students who could be the next generation of research analysts.”