Can Students Learn Statistics While Playing Games? A Regression Example

• Activity Number: 287 - Classroom Teaching and Pedagogy
• Type: Contributed
• Date/Time: Wednesday, August 11, 2021 : 1:30 PM to 3:20 PM
• Sponsor: Section on Statistical Learning and Data Science
• Author(s): Ginger Holmes Rowell* and Shonda Kuiper and Rodney Sturdivant and Andrew Zieffler
• Companies: Middle Tennessee State University and Grinnell College and Baylor and University of Minnesota
• Keywords: introductory statistics; regression; education; statistical games; student learning

Abstract

Interactive activities based on high-tech games similar to popular electronic games have been shown to improve student engagement and provide learning gains in introductory statistics courses. Drs. Shonda Kuiper and Rodney Sturdivant, of Grinnell College and Baylor University respectively, have developed statistical versions of games like Tangrams, Defenders, and racer games. Their corresponding laboratory activities lead students through concepts related to designing experiments and collecting and analyzing data. We will demonstrate the statistical “Farmer” game where students conduct experiments to determine optimal amounts of water and fertilizer for their crops of corn, bean, and tomatoes to grow. Students use an app to visualize the data, generate and analyze regression models to determine the data’s story about maximizing profit. Introductory statistics students have found the game and corresponding lab fun and easy way to learn more about regression. The game has multiple levels and can be used in the second course in statistics as they consider multiple regression, categorical variables, and polynomial regression models.