344 – Technology in the Classroom
Creating a Collaborative Environment with University Faculty and Community College Faculty to Engage Students in Learning Statistics
Michael Darrell
Columbia State Community College
Lori Giles
Columbia State Community College
Lisa Green
Middle Tennessee State University
Marilee M. Gorta
Columbia State Community College
Scott McDaniel
Middle Tennessee State University
Nancy McCormick
Middle Tennessee State University
James Smith
Columbia State Community College
Jeremy Strayer
Middle Tennessee State University
Ginger Holmes Rowell
Middle Tennessee State University
The Modules for Teaching Statistics with Pedagogy using Active Learning (MTStatPAL) project team has designed learning materials for actively engaging students in learning introductory statistics material. They have also developed corresponding instructor materials with built-in professional development components to aide instructors who are new to teaching with active learning materials. These materials were tested at the authors' own four-year university where they have now transformed their introductory statistics course. To determine if the materials and instructional approaches were appropriate for students and instructors at two-year institutions, the project team developed a collaboration with faculty teaching introductory statistics at a two-year institution in their region. This pilot study revealed that the materials were appropriate for this student population. Furthermore, it also revealed the power of the partnership between the faculty participants at these two institutions. This article reports on the experiences of the faculty members involved in this collaboration and the strengths and weaknesses of the collaboration and professional development.