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Applied Problems and Use of Technology in Basic Courses in Probability and Statistics : A Way to Enhance Understanding and Increase Motivation

Zetterqvist, Lena LU (2016) European Society for Engineering Education p.168-173
Abstract
Several authors have reported problems on service courses in basic probability and statistics: students may lack motivation, find the theory difficult or boring, others see no applications for the results. To remedy these problems we have developed a learning environment where two important components are applied problems and use of technology. However, the mere existence of applied problems and technology in the course does not automatically imply
increased motivation or enhanced learning. Technology is helpful for the students if it is used to achieve learning goals, is integrated with the needs of the students and is aligned with the rest of the course. Real-life data and problems evoke interest if the students perceive they benefit... (More)
Several authors have reported problems on service courses in basic probability and statistics: students may lack motivation, find the theory difficult or boring, others see no applications for the results. To remedy these problems we have developed a learning environment where two important components are applied problems and use of technology. However, the mere existence of applied problems and technology in the course does not automatically imply
increased motivation or enhanced learning. Technology is helpful for the students if it is used to achieve learning goals, is integrated with the needs of the students and is aligned with the rest of the course. Real-life data and problems evoke interest if the students perceive they benefit from the task. We give two examples, one where active work with applied exercises and projects give a more positive attitude towards the subject, the other example shows that aligned web-based test and exercises increase the result on the final exam and also indicate a better conceptual understanding. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
organization
publishing date
type
Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding
publication status
published
subject
categories
Higher Education
host publication
The 18th SEFI Mathematics Working Group seminar on Mathematics in Engineering Education, Proceedings
pages
6 pages
publisher
European Society for Engineering Education (SEFI)
conference name
European Society for Engineering Education
conference location
Göteborg, Sweden
conference dates
2016-06-27 - 2016-06-29
ISBN
978-2-87352-013-7
language
English
LU publication?
yes
id
7deda580-0c82-40c2-bd87-2a91b3d2d708
date added to LUP
2016-08-23 15:17:42
date last changed
2025-04-04 13:56:39
@inproceedings{7deda580-0c82-40c2-bd87-2a91b3d2d708,
  abstract     = {{Several authors have reported problems on service courses in basic probability and statistics: students may lack motivation, find the theory difficult or boring, others see no applications for the results. To remedy these problems we have developed a learning environment where two important components are applied problems and use of technology. However, the mere existence of applied problems and technology in the course does not automatically imply<br/>increased motivation or enhanced learning. Technology is helpful for the students if it is used to achieve learning goals, is integrated with the needs of the students and is aligned with the rest of the course. Real-life data and problems evoke interest if the students perceive they benefit from the task. We give two examples, one where active work with applied exercises and projects give a more positive attitude towards the subject, the other example shows that aligned web-based test and exercises increase the result on the final exam and also indicate a better conceptual understanding.}},
  author       = {{Zetterqvist, Lena}},
  booktitle    = {{The 18th SEFI Mathematics Working Group seminar on Mathematics in Engineering Education, Proceedings}},
  isbn         = {{978-2-87352-013-7}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  pages        = {{168--173}},
  publisher    = {{European Society for Engineering Education (SEFI)}},
  title        = {{Applied Problems and Use of Technology in Basic Courses in Probability and Statistics : A Way to Enhance Understanding and Increase Motivation}},
  url          = {{https://lup.lub.lu.se/search/files/12003846/MWG2016_Zetterqvist.pdf}},
  year         = {{2016}},
}