More studies questioning the U.S. "STEM crisis"

A new survey of U.S. workers shows that fewer than a quarter use advanced mathematics in their work, and most of those using such math hold blue-collar technician jobs--not white collar positions. As reported in The Atlantic, the study surveyed 2,300 workers in a range of jobs over two phases from 2004 through 2009. The findings suggest that high-tech blue collar context could be a useful one for high school mathematics teachers. A couple other items of interest: A study around early childhood that indicates gesticulation drives home abstract concepts in mathematics instruction. And the Community College Research Center at Columbia University concludes from an interview study of 46 Virginia community college students that they prefer to take only "easy" courses online rather than "hard" courses.