This paper is from Session 4G: Learning statistics through projects
which comes under Topic 4: Statistics education at the post secondary (tertiary) level
(Tuesday 13th, 16:30-18:00)
Student discovery projects in data analysis
Presenter
Co-author
Abstract
AAt Queensland University of Technology, students have been doing self-selected group projects in data analysis as a major component of their course assessment for well over a decade. These projects provide experiential learning of statistical problem-solving and the data investigation cycle of plan, collect, process, discuss in topics of their choice. Datasets must involve at least four, and preferably more, variables. Auckland University is introducing similar discovery projects in a second year data analysis course in 2010. In this paper, we discuss the background and motivation for such projects; experiences in setting up, running, assessing and administering self-selected student project work; the types of projects students choose to do and guidance they receive; effects of the students’ work and reports; our experiences with project students and finally, our assessments of the value to students of doing self-selected group project work.
