SYNTHESIS THROUGH SERVICE LEARNING IN STATISTICS

Gina ReedGainesville State College

ASA/MAA RecommendationsEmphasize the elements of statistical

thinkingIncorporate more data and conceptsFoster active learning

GAISE ProcessFormulate Statistical Question Collect DataAnalyze Data Interpret Results

Definition of Service Learning in StatisticsA concrete application of statistical methods

using real data with the analysis and interpretation that is useful to a community agency

Course LevelIntroductory StatisticsIntroductory Honors StatisticsData Analysis and Probability For Elementary

Education

Necessary TechnologyMinitab Software Graphing CalculatorWord

Potential Client PoolUnited Way agenciesCommunity groupsK-12 schoolsLocal businesses

Initial Client Contact Professor Student

Client SelectionSuitability (mutually beneficial)Instrument Development Data CollectionData Analysis

Project DescriptionStatistical Question

Clarify the problemQuestion formulation must be answered using

dataData Collection

Design a plan Employ plan

Project DescriptionData Analysis

Select appropriate graphs and numeric measures

InterpretationRelate interpretation to answering the original

question

Executive SummaryWritten reportOral report

Labs and Class ActivitiesMeasures of Central TendencyMeasures of VariationGraphs (Histograms, Bar Graphs,

Scatterplots, etc.)Correlation (if feasible)Confidence IntervalsHypothesis Testing

TimelineFirst day of class-General descriptionFourth week-Initial contact and questionsEighth week-Data collectionTwelfth week-Preliminary written reportSixteenth week

Final written reportOral presentation

GradingIndividual grade

Written componentOral component

Group grade

Group Member EvaluationPlease list each member’s name, including yourself, and

evaluate them on scale of 0 to 100 in each category.Initial PlanningOrganization skillsLeadershipAttendance at meetingsData entryMinitab participationWritten report participationOral report preparationOverall performanceAdditional comments:

Student Reflective ProcessNecessary component of service learning

WrittenOral

ConsiderationsPre-semester contactReconfiguration of curriculumAgency’s prioritiesPost-semester contact

ImpactCourseStudents

Student Evaluation of ProjectI better understood the material covered in the course I can write more effectively using statistical language. I am more competent using technological tools (i.e.

calculators, computer software).I can see the "real world" applications of statistics.Is a positive addition to the course.What did you like best about the project?What did you like least about the project?

Grading rubric for written/oral reportsProblem Identification/Question FormulationClear description of data collection Clear description of data analysis Analysis/ Interpretation technically correct Readability of visual aids Transitions Closing Executive Summary

ResourcesMathematics In Service To The Community:

Concepts and Models for Service-Learning in Mathematical Sciences , MAA Notes #66, Charles Hadlock, Editor

Guidelines for Assessment and Instruction in Statistics Education (GAISE) Report, ASA, Franklin et al., 2007 http://www.amstat.org/education/gaise/

Contact Information

greed@gsc.edu