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This paper is from Session 5H: Psychological and social issues in the teaching of statistics

which comes under Topic 5: Statistics education and the wider society             Full topic list

(Thursday 6th, 14:00-15:30)

Using examples related to HIV/AIDS to enhance understanding of Statistical theory and of social implications of Statistics

Presenter

• Jacky Galpin (South Africa)

Abstract

Without practical applications of theory, students often do not understand why they are studying the techniques and what statistics is about. Service course students are often antagonistic to and afraid of the statistics courses. Some progress can be made by noting that anyone who crosses a road and survive, is an expert in probability. Relating techniques to current social issues can further assist in breaking down barriers, increasing awareness of the usefulness of statistics and enhancing academic citizenship. Specifically using HIV/AIDS examples, in a country where this is a major problem, helps students to understand the issues and how to deal with the risk. Since many are the first from their home areas to attend university, they have some standing in the community, and communicate with others. This paper outlines some of the issues and methods and examples used in both major stream and service courses by the author and by colleagues.