Abstract #301113

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JSM 2003 Abstract #301113
Activity Number: 165
Type: Topic Contributed
Date/Time: Monday, August 4, 2003 : 2:00 PM to 3:50 PM
Sponsor: Section on Statistical Education
Abstract - #301113
Title: Improving Statistical Understanding: Using Writing in the Statistics Classroom
Author(s): Joy Jordan*+ and Jacqueline B. Miller*+ and Carolyn Pillers Dobler*+ and Martha A. Townsend*+
Companies: Lawrence University and The Ohio State University and Gustavus Adolphus College and University of Missouri
Address: Dept. of Mathematics, Appleton, WI, 54912-0599, Department of Statistics, Columbus, OH, 43210, 800 West College Ave., Saint Peter, MN, 56082-1485, Campus Writing Program, Columbia, MO, 65203,
Keywords: writing ; projects ; assessment ; statistics education
Abstract:

This panel examines the interplay between student learning in the statistics classroom and the writing-across-the-curriculum (WAC) movement. The idea for the panel stems from collaborative research by Joy Jordan and Jackie Miller on how WAC principles can inform the design and use of writing assignments in statistics courses (e.g., projects, written explanation of statistical concepts). Marty Townsend, Director of University of Missouri's Campus Writing Program and WAC expert, presents a general introduction to WAC concepts and provides examples of writing assignments in mathematics and science. Carolyn Dobler, a proponent of projects and well-respected statistics educator, discusses the use of projects in her own classroom (e.g., giving feedback on clarity and style, requiring drafts, coaching students to express statistical ideas in writing). Joy Jordan and Jackie Miller present their work on incorporating WAC concepts into the demonstration and assessment of students' statistical understanding. They also foreground their plans for continued work in this area. Time is left for floor discussion about the current and potential use of writing assignments in statistics courses.

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Revised March 2003