This paper is from Session 4B: Use of student response systems in teaching statistics at the university level

which comes under Topic 4: Statistics education at the post-secondary level

Teaching discrete distributions using contingent teaching with clickers

Presenter

• Wayne Stewart (University of Oklahoma, United States)

Co-author

• Sepideh Stewart (University of Oklahoma, United States)

Abstract

In most undergraduate statistics courses students are introduced to discrete random variables which are later accompanied by a list of probability functions and examples of their applications. The students are required to determine from a story problem what discrete probability distribution is appropriate. This process involves appreciating the defining characteristics of the distributions and distilling from the problem those characteristics that enable the learner to decide on the correct distribution. This initial classification which is an important first step in solving the problem must be accompanied by more guidance on how to proceed. This study will describe a teaching routine which uses contingent teaching in conjunction with clicker provided feedback from students to enhance students’ categorization strategies.