How leading a math circle fosters personal growth: a multiple case study of undergraduates conducting STEM outreach

A research study by Frontiers in Education (International) explored a university-community engagement initiative where undergraduate STEM students led math circles for children. The study, utilizing a multiple case study approach, focused on understanding how this experience contributed to the personal and professional growth of the undergraduate leaders, particularly in shaping their teaching beliefs.

Why it matters

This initiative demonstrates a model for leveraging academic resources to provide community enrichment while simultaneously fostering the development of future professionals. Understanding how such programs impact student leaders can inform strategies for talent development, civic engagement, and educational outreach across various sectors.

Key insights

• Undergraduate STEM students lead math circles as part of a university-community engagement initiative.
• Math circles are afterschool enrichment programs for children in Grades 4-6, focusing on mathematics-focused games and hands-on activities.
• The research aimed to understand the undergraduates' experiences and the impact on their personal and professional growth.
• A multiple case study approach was used, collecting data from weekly reflections, observations, and end-of-semester interviews for three undergraduates.
• Qualitative analysis involved inductive coding to identify themes related to teaching beliefs and personal development.

Source

Frontiers in Education — https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1858044