ERIC Number: EJ1137010
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2007-Jul
Pages: 21
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1931-4744
EISSN: N/A
Assessing the Gains from Concept Mapping in Introductory Statistics
Doorn, David; O'Brien, Maureen
International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, v1 n2 Article 19 Jul 2007
In an effort to improve active learning in introductory statistics, we introduce the use of concept mapping techniques as part of the course. While previous papers have touted the use of this and other interactive teaching methods in statistics education, we add to this literature by providing additional assessment of its efficacy. This comes through an experimental design that involves a single instructor teaching two sections of the same statistics course over the same semester. Both cover the same material in the same way with the exception that concept mapping is used in one section, but not the other. Assessment of learning outcomes is done through the use of pre-tests and post-tests of understanding of statistical concepts. We also track changes in student's study habits over the semester through additional surveys. We find only weak evidence that concept mapping is effective in aiding student learning of statistics.
Descriptors: College Students, Business Administration Education, Required Courses, Introductory Courses, Statistics, Concept Mapping, Active Learning, Instructional Effectiveness, Teaching Methods, Comparative Analysis, Outcomes of Education, Pretests Posttests, Study Habits, Evidence, Statistical Analysis, Effect Size
Centers for Teaching & Technology at Georgia Southern University. IJ-SoTL, Georgia Southern University, Henderson Library 1301, Statesboro, GA 30460. e-mail: sotlij@georgiasouthern.edu; Web site: http://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/ij-sotl/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Minnesota
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A