ERIC Number: EJ1139535
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0163-853X
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Available Date: N/A
Learning by Invention: Small Group Discussion Activities That Support Learning in Statistics
Jarosz, Andrew F.; Goldenberg, Olga; Wiley, Jennifer
Discourse Processes: A multidisciplinary journal, v54 n4 p285-302 2017
Learning by invention is an alternative approach to teaching statistics where students are tasked with attempting to solve a problem before being taught the canonical formula for solving it, often resulting in increased understanding of material compared with traditional instruction. The first study, conducted in a college statistics classroom with mixed-skill groups, extended previous work showing an advantage for learning-by-invention activities compared with a lecture-first control. A second study explored group interactions that led to benefits from learning-by-invention activities. Successful groups were more likely to propose solutions and less likely to propose arbitrary formulas or highlight group members' math skills. The features of small group interactions that may help or harm learning during invention activities are discussed.
Descriptors: Group Discussion, Group Activities, Statistics, Mathematics Instruction, College Mathematics, Problem Solving, Mathematical Formulas, Mathematics Skills, Discourse Analysis, Introductory Courses, Instructional Effectiveness
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
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