|
Activity Number:
|
457
|
|
Type:
|
Invited
|
|
Date/Time:
|
Thursday, August 7, 2003 : 10:30 AM to 12:20 PM
|
|
Sponsor:
|
International Association for Statistical Education
|
| Abstract - #300064 |
|
Title:
|
Probability and Statistics Ideas in the Classroom--Lessons from History
|
|
Author(s):
|
David R. Bellhouse*+
|
|
Companies:
|
University of Western Ontario
|
|
Address:
|
Dept. of Stat. & Actuarial Sci., London, ON, N6A 5B7, Canada
|
|
Keywords:
|
|
|
Abstract:
|
Our textbooks are compendia of the history of probability and statistics since the Middle Ages, but without the historical context; the focus instead is on relevant modern applications of the material presented. One approach to history in the classroom that I don't usually recommend is to use original historical examples. Another approach is to give biographical sketches of leading figures. Karl Pearson quite rightly said that "it is impossible to understand a man's work unless you understand something of his character and of his environment." This biographical approach can be sterile. I will present a third approach, which, building on Pearson, takes its cue from the history of knowledge. How and why is new knowledge created? When new knowledge is created, what is the nature of clashes between old and new knowledge? What happens when two strands of new knowledge compete for prominence? What is the social background of the new knowledge creator? The discussion will range from the motivation behind new statistical knowledge (which deepens understanding of a technique) to the clash over statistical ideas or academic fights (which clarifies the issues over the use of a technique).
|
- The address information is for the authors that have a + after their name.
- Authors who are presenting talks have a * after their name.
Back to the full JSM 2003 program |
