JSM 2011 Online Program

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Abstract Details

Activity Number: 419
Type: Contributed
Date/Time: Tuesday, August 2, 2011 : 2:00 PM to 3:50 PM
Sponsor: Section on Statistical Education
Abstract - #303148
Title: Classroom Experiment Comparing Student Lab Activities to Instructor Demonstrations
Author(s): Karen McGaughey*+ and Soma Roy and Beth Chance and Alan Rossman
Companies: California Polytechnic State University and California Polytechnic State University and California Polytechnic State University and California Polytechnic State University
Address: 1 Grand Avenue, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93407,
Keywords: classroom research ; java applets ; active learning ; teaching statistics
Abstract:

The use of technology is ubiquitous in today's statistics courses. Analysis software such as Minitab and R is used to provide data analysis experience. Java applets are used to develop conceptual understanding of means and medians, sampling distributions and p-values. Does it matter how this technology is implemented? Must students be engaged in a hands-on, active learning activity to benefit from this technology, or can the same understanding be attained by observing the instructor work through the components of the activity? What about universities without the advantage of a daily/weekly computer lab? Can these students benefit from observing the instructor work through the activity? This paper will highlight key findings from a classroom research pilot study carried out in Spring 2011 using a crossover design. This study investigates whether active participation in computer lab activities enhances student understanding of key statistical concepts, such as p-values and statistical significance, as compared to observing an instructor work through those same components of the activity. Results of assessment, along with student attitudes and opinions will be shared.


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