This is the Participant Information Sheet for the research project "Studying mathematics, art, design, and architecture in multidisciplinary groups".


  1. General description of study method

This research study examines how multidisciplinary student teams enhance learning of mathematics and arts. The study is based on data that will be collected from the 2023 implementation of the course MS-E1000 Crystal Flowers in Halls of Mirrors: Mathematics meets Arts and Architecture that is part of the Mathematics and Arts Minor at Aalto University. The material will be collected through MyCourses learning environment and analysed using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative methods include calculating descriptive statistics and fitting models to the numerical data. The qualitative methods include content analysis to the texts (eg. questionnaires, reflections, feedback) provided by the students during the course, and theory-based analysis of the group work, using eg. the interpretative lens by Andrà et al. (C. Andrà, D. Brunetto, N. Parolini, and M. Verani, Four Fundamental Modes of Participation in Mathematics Group Activities, Int J of Sci and Math Educ 18 (2020), no. 1.) and/or other relevant validated theories.

In addition to written materials, video recordings produced by the participants will be used in the research. Twice during the course Crystal Flowers in Halls of Mirrors all student groups will complete a group assignment, in connection with which they also video their own group’s work, watch the recorded video and reflect on their activities in the group. The reflections and the recordings will be studied to analyse the group work and the languaging of mathematics, arts, design, and architecture.

The research group consists of current and former teachers of the course. Kirsi Peltonen and Riikka Kangaslampi are representatives from mathematics. Expertise from arts, design and architecture will be used as well. The principal investigator Kirsi Peltonen is the responsible teacher of this course as well as of the Mathematics and Arts Minor at Aalto University and has a decade long experience in teaching multidisciplinary courses in mathematics and arts. University Lecturer Riikka Kangaslampi from Tampere University has strong experience on mathematics education research, with peer-reviewed journal articles on mathematics education research published in international journals.

  1. Purpose of the research

The aim of this research is to investigate how multidisciplinary student teams enhance learning of mathematics, arts, design, and architecture. Especially, we are interested to follow how student’s learning and academic self-concept develops during the course.

  1. Funding of the research

This research is funded by Aalto University and Tampere University.

  1. Compensation paid to research participants

There is no compensation paid to the participants.

  1. Voluntary nature of participation

Participation is voluntary and can be discontinued at any point by informing the principal investigator. There is no obligation to disclose any specific reason for discontinuing. Research data collected up to the time of discontinuation may still be used.

  1. Possible risks and their prevention

There are no risks involved in participating the research.

  1. Communication with the research staff during testing

The principal investigator acts also as the responsible teacher of the course and is available in the course meetings as well as through the communication channels specified on the MyCourses page of the course. The contact information of the principal investigator and the coordinating researcher are provided at the end of this information sheet.

  1. Description of research situation

The research is carried out during the course in question, and participation does not take any additional time besides normally attending the course and doing course-related activities. All the students of the course will do the same activities, but only those that give their consent are included in the research. The course is run through periods III, IV, V in a similar fashion as earlier, when research was not involved.

Contact information

Kirsi Peltonen
Principal investigator in Studying mathematics, art, design, and architecture in multidisciplinary groups
Docent, PhD, Senior University Lecturer

Department of Mathematics and Systems Analysis
Aalto University
Email: kirsi.peltonen@aalto.fi
Telephone: 050 574 7006

Riikka Kangaslampi
Coordinating researcher in Studying mathematics, art, design, and architecture in multidisciplinary groups
Doctor of Science, University Lecturer

Unit of Computing Sciences
Tampere University
Email: riikka.kangaslampi@tuni.fi
Telephone: 050 447 8474


Last modified: Friday, 16 December 2022, 12:24 PM