This paper is from Session 6F: Novel Approaches to Teaching Probability
which comes under Topic 6: Innovations in teaching probability
Paper 6F1 (Thursday 12th, 11:00-12:30)
Effectiveness of Use of Diagrams for Teaching Conditional Probability from A Semiotics Viewpoint
Presenter
- Ippo Ishibashi (Hiroshima University, Japan)
Abstract
This study examines teaching approaches for learning conditional probability by using diagrams. Toward this end, we first identify conventional knowledge about diagrammatic representations of probability from a semiotics viewpoint. Next, we present effective diagrammatic expressions for understanding conditional probability, and we provide a teaching approach to encourage efficient diagrammatic reasoning. Finally, we evaluate teaching using the “effect of time axis.” As a result, the conventional knowledge of diagrammatic representations of probability was identified as “the rectangle represents the denominator in the probability calculation and the part bounded by the circle inside the rectangle represents the numerator.” Furthermore, it is suggested that the diagrammatic representation of conditional probability created based on conventional knowledge is effective for understanding conditional probability.