Interior Design students help shape new mathematics learning space at RCC
Randolph Community College (RCC) Interior Design students presented a research-based proposal in the College’s Design Center on Thursday, Oct. 8, to transform a mathematics classroom into an active learning space designed to help students collaborate, build confidence, and overcome math anxiety.
The students developed plans for Math and Science Center room 102 as part of RCC’s $1.1 million National Science Foundation-funded ACCTION project (Award No. 2439731). Their proposal draws on research into elements such as color and spatial arrangement to create a classroom that supports a more interactive approach to teaching mathematics.
The eight students who developed and presented the proposal were Nicolas Barrett, Victoria White, Hailey Ingram, Maggie Harrell, Gabriela Villagomez Castro, Luis Noriega Bravo, Stephany Mondragon Flores, and Diana Herrera Gabriel.
White presents the students’ research-based proposal to transform a mathematics classroom in the College’s Design Center as classmates, from left to right, Gabriela Villagomez Castro, Maggie Harrell, and Hailey Ingram look on.
Their proposed design includes triangular tables arranged for groups of three, movable chairs, and glass writing boards around the room, allowing students to work together without a fixed classroom front. The students also incorporated accessible pathways and lower writing boards into the layout. Their selections of carpet, upholstery, and colors were intended to manage classroom noise and create a welcoming learning environment.
“This project is a wonderful example of cross-departmental collaboration at RCC,” said Dr. Carrie Lineberry, Mathematics Instructor and Principal Investigator for the ACCTION project. “Our Interior Design students have spent the semester applying research and design principles to propose a welcoming space intended to support collaboration and help reduce the anxiety many students experience in mathematics classrooms.”
The collaboration gives Interior Design students practical experience developing a proposal for a real client and a portfolio of their work. Their plans will help guide the renovation of the classroom, where the ACCTION team intends to film classes for a documentary about innovative mathematics instruction. The students’ design portfolio will also document this collaboration for ACCTION’s project reporting and provide a resource the team can share with other colleges exploring similar learning spaces.
“Our goal is for every RCC graduate to be someone an employer is confident hiring and who can add value from day one,” President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan said. “Whatever their major, students need both strong technical skills and the personal qualities employers count on: Sound judgment, dependability, and the ability to communicate and work with others. Projects like this help students develop that combination. They listen to a client, apply their knowledge, explain their decisions, and respond to feedback — experiences that prepare them to contribute in the workplace and adapt as industry needs change.”
The project brings together RCC’s Mathematics Department in the Arts, Sciences, and Education Division and its Interior Design program in the Design, Wellness and Public Safety Division. Adriann Welch, lead Interior Design instructor, and Interior Design instructor Christi Spangle guided the students’ design work.
###
About Randolph Community College’s Interior Design Program: Randolph Community College’s Interior Design Program prepares students to create functional, safe, and visually appealing residential and commercial spaces with an emphasis on sustainability. Through coursework in space planning, drafting, lighting, textiles, and professional practice, students develop the creative and technical skills needed for careers in the design industry. The program offers an Associate in Applied Science degree, a Kitchen and Bath Design diploma, and specialized certificates. Portfolio development and work-based learning connect classroom instruction with professional experience. For more information, visit www.randolph.edu/academics/college-majors/interior-design/index.aspx.
###
About Randolph Community College: Randolph Community College (RCC), under the leadership of President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan, is committed to providing relevant career training and educational opportunities. Ranked No. 1 in North Carolina by Niche.com, the College offers affordable degrees and short-term certificate programs that start throughout the year, both in person and online. To register, visit randolph.edu/register or call 336-633-0200 and expect to engage with the most competent and compassionate team of faculty and staff.