Title: The Social and Work Structure of an Afterschool Math Club,
Abstract: This study focuses on the social structure and interpersonal dynamics of an
afterschool math club for middle schoolers. Using social network analysis, two
networks were formed and analyzed: The network of friendship relationships and
the network of working relationships. The interconnections and correlations
between friendship relationships, working relationships, and student opinion
surveys are studied. A core working group of talented students emerged from the
network of working relations. This group acted a central go-between for other
members in the club. This core working group expanded into largest friendship
group in the friendship network. Although there were working isolates, they
were not found to be socially isolated. Students who were less popular tended
to report a greater favorable impact from club participation. Implications for
the study of the social structure of afterschool STEM clubs and classrooms are
discussed.