UpSpring360 with CCRL

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        The UpSpring360 Summer Camp research experience with the Children’s Cognitive Research Lab (CCRL) was both engaging and informative. It was part of a project by the lab, which aims to study how students’ Math performance can be improved through the use of technology (we used IXL apps on iPads) and small groups of 2-3 students with an adult facilitator. UpSpring360 serves children (ages 8-12 years old) experiencing homelessness. As facilitators, we worked with the students 3 times a week. Our job was to make sure the children stayed focused on the work, chose appropriate exercises, and made some progress.

        Working with these children was quite refreshing. I was happy to be able to contribute to their education, even if for one summer. I was pleased to see organizations like UpSpring working to provide an equal opportunity for these children, not just educational, but also recreational. Over the summer, I learned so much more about working with children, from how to motivate them to work, to how to constructively praise their efforts. However, this experience helped me realize I would prefer working with a younger age group. Nevertheless, I am still very grateful for this experience, since I was able to join the lab as a Research Assistant after volunteering.

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Below you will find a PDF of a poster presentation on some of the findings from UpSpring360 in 2018. I worked on this as a Research Assistant in Spring 2019 and it was presented at the Spring 2019 Undergraduate Scholarly Showcase.