RUME 28
2026
Alexandria, Virginia
Needs, Success, Race, and Equality: A Q Methodology Study of Community College Algebra Students
Page: 1373
While previous studies have examined college algebra students’ experiences and undergraduate belonging in mathematics, limited research explores how community college students understand diversity, equity, and inclusion. In this poster, we focus specifically on students’ understanding of equity and present preliminary findings from a Q methodology analysis of 25 participants from eight community colleges across the U.S. A total of four semi-structured interviews were planned for each participant. The first three interviews have been completed and the fourth is currently in progress. The third interview included a Q-sort activity using 33 statements representing diverse perspectives on equity in mathematics. Using the KADE desktop application for a Q-sort analysis, we identified four distinct factors (Needs, Success, Race, and Equality) that represent how students conceptualize equity in college algebra classrooms. Subsequent analyses will focus on how students’ experiences and backgrounds influence these themes.