A Distance Learning Model for High School Statistics

• Activity Number: 28
• Type: Invited
• Date/Time: Sunday, August 11, 2002 : 4:00 PM to 5:50 PM
• Sponsor: Advisory Cmte on Teacher Enhancement
• Author(s): Robert Gould*+
• Affiliation(s): University of California, Los Angeles
• Keywords: distance learning ; AP Statistics ; K-12 Statistics

Abstract

The rapid growth of the Advanced Placement Statistics exam and the NCTM 2000 Standards have created a demand for qualified teachers of statistics. Such teachers are typically drawn from the ranks of mathematics teachers, but a number of important statistical concepts are not a part of the typical mathematics teachers' preparation. Currently, workshops are the primary means for beginning statistics teachers to learn the new material. However, the short format of a workshop, effective for teaching pedagogy, is not conducive to teaching content and building understanding. To address this problem, the ACTE has proposed to the NSF a two-year, distance-learning project designed for first-time statistics teachers. The course begins with a week-long introductory workshop, which is followed by a year-long distance learning course, offered via the internet, that will keep pace with the AP Statistics curriculum with a few weeks lead-time. The distance course will be designed to provide content while modeling effective pedagogy. The second year consists of a data analysis practicum supervised by a professional statistician, as well as mentoring duties to first-year participants.