Scholars in Focus: Nicole Fletcher & Allison Berger - 3/24

Please join us for the DiMenna-Nyselius Library's new series, Scholars in Focus, giving you a glimpse into the exciting work happening across the University. Presenters will discuss their research for 15 minutes each, followed by Q&A. 

This virtual Scholars in Focus, on Mon. March 24th from 11am-12pm, will feature Nicole Fletcher, PhD, Assistant Professor of Educational Studies and Teacher Preparation, and Allison Berger, Associate Dean of Students. 

Register on this page to receive the Zoom link: https://libcal.fairfield.edu/event/14356233

Berger will present "A Customer Service Model for Higher Education". Institutions of higher education (IHEs) can optimize their student experience by developing a customer service mindset. Well-developed, inclusive customer service models can support students’ educational and co-curricular experiences. Adapting corporate customer service models to higher education that are informed by the framework and principles of “servant leadership” can lead to a more positive and enriching experience for staff and students. The purpose of this dissertation is twofold: (a) identify aspects of certain corporate models of customer service that lend themselves well to the mission of IHEs; and (b) conduct exploratory research at a specific, student-focused office of an IHE to understand better its customer service mindset and how a customized corporate model can further support the office’s work.

Fletcher will present "Reimagining Possibilities for Mathematics Education Through Storytelling: Learning with and from K-8 Students". This presentation will share findings from a project that seeks to broaden children’s knowledge of mathematics, mathematicians, and their work by introducing them to Black mathematicians’ stories about learning and doing mathematics. Short videos were developed from mathematicians’ interviews about their formative, educational, and professional experiences with mathematics, and screening sessions and focus group interviews with K-8 students were conducted. Analysis of focus group transcripts revealed that mathematicians’ stories engaged K-8 students in several ways, including by expanding their mathematical knowledge and imaginations, piquing their interest in mathematical applications, establishing personal connections to mathematicians’ identity and their work, and enhancing their understanding of what mathematicians do.

Presenter Bios:

Allison Berger has over 20 years of experience as a student affairs practitioner, working at five schools. She enjoys working with students to assist them in their journey and her current focus is student conduct, serving as Associate Dean of Students at Fairfield. Berger earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees at Ohio University and is currently a candidate for a doctorate in Educational Leadership at Fairfield University.

Nicole Fletcher is an Assistant Professor of Educational Studies and Teacher Preparation at Fairfield University. She earned an MA in early childhood and special education and a PhD in mathematics education at Teachers College, Columbia University. She worked as an early childhood teacher for ten years in both general and special education classrooms. She also worked as a K-5 mathematics coordinator and has facilitated professional development for elementary mathematics teachers in the US and abroad. Her research focuses on young children’s often-unrecognized competence for learning mathematics and developing equitable, research-based methods for teaching and learning mathematics.

If you’re interested in presenting your research, grants, creative works, or innovative projects at an upcoming Scholars in Focus session, please contact Tiara Arnold, tarnold@fairfield.edu