Using Authentic Discovery Projects to Improve Student Outcomes in Statistics Joint Mathematics Meetings January 16, 2010 Dianna Spence Brad Bailey Robb Sinn Department of Mathematics & Computer Science North Georgia College & State University Dahlonega, Georgia
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Using Authentic Discovery Projects to Improve Student Outcomes in Statistics
Using Authentic Discovery Projects to Improve Student Outcomes in Statistics. Joint Mathematics Meetings January 16, 2010 Dianna Spence Brad Bailey Robb Sinn Department of Mathematics & Computer Science North Georgia College & State University Dahlonega, Georgia. Agenda. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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Using Authentic Discovery Projects to Improve Student Outcomes in
StatisticsJoint Mathematics Meetings
January 16, 2010
Dianna SpenceBrad BaileyRobb Sinn
Department of Mathematics & Computer ScienceNorth Georgia College & State University
Dahlonega, Georgia
Agenda
• Overview of Project Scope and Activities – Dianna
• Findings from Phase I – Dianna
• Pilot Instructor Experiences and Observations – Brad
• Future Directions– Brad
NSF Grant Project Overview• NSF CCLI Phase I Grant:
“Authentic, Career-Specific Discovery Learning Projects in Introductory Statistics”
• Goals: Increase students’... knowledge & comprehension of statistics perceived usefulness of statistics self-beliefs about ability to use and understand
Instructor Experiences and ObservationsBest Practices• Have Intermediate goals
Defined deliverables and project phases Student accountability at each phase
• Requirements for final report outline template prior work samples
Instructor Experiences and Observations
• Students need guidance with research question• Set Student Expectations
Students underestimate time/effort required Students often unclear on exactly what to do once
they have collected the data Students should be prepared for results that may be
weak, non-significant, etc.• realistic view of statistics• avoid too much disappointment
Student FeedbackStudent Quotes Shared by Instructors
“The main thing that we have learned is that statistics take time. They cannot be conjured up by a few formulas in a few minutes. The
time and effort that is put into a small research project such as this is significant.
On a large scale, one can quickly understand the kind of commitment of money and time that is required just to obtain reasonable
data.”
“While our results did not meet our initial expectations, this is not an utter disappointment. Before this project, statistics looked simple enough for anyone to sit down
and do, but now it is evident that it requires more creativity and critical thinking than initially expected. Overall, it was
an edifying experience.”
Future Directions
NSF CCLI Type II Grant• Proposal Submitted January 2010• Goals Include:
Nation wide pilot Vertical Integration to early secondary Revisions to Materials
• Increased flexibility• Accommodate early high school grades
Qualitative Component• More insight into instructor impact