Higher Education Commons^™

Mentoring Undergraduate Research In Statistics: Reaping The Benefits And Overcoming The Barriers, Joseph R. Nolan, Kelly S. Mcconville, Vittorio Addona, Nathan L. Tintle, Dennis K. Pearl

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Undergraduate research experiences (UREs), whether within the context of a mentor-mentee experience or a classroom framework, represent an excellent opportunity to expose students to the independent scholarship model. The high impact of undergraduate research has received recent attention in the context of STEM disciplines. Reflecting a 2017 survey of statistics faculty, this article examines the perceived benefits of UREs, as well as barriers to the incorporation of UREs, specifically within the field of statistics. Viewpoints of students, faculty mentors, and institutions are investigated. Further, the article offers several strategies for leveraging characteristics unique to the field of statistics to overcome …

Finding Meaning In A Multivariable World: A Conceptual Approach To An Algebra-Based Second Course In Statistics, Karen Mcgaughey, Beth Chance, Nathan L. Tintle, Soma Roy, Todd Swanson, Jill Vander Stoep

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Although the teaching of the first course in statistics has improved dramatically in recent years, there has been less focus on a similarly conceptual-based second course aimed at non-majors. We present a curriculum for the second course, designed to expand statistical literacy across disciplines, which focuses on conceptual understanding of multivariable relationships through data visualization, study design, the role of confounding variables, reduction of unexplained variation, and simulation-based inference, rather than the mathematically-based discourse often used in the second course. Our curriculum uses a student-centered pedagogical approach, utilizing guided discovery activities based on real-world case studies, facilitated by student-focused technology …

Start A Math Teacher Circle: Connect K-12 Teachers With Engaging, Approachable, And Meaningful Mathematical Problems, Tom Clark, Mike Janssen, Amanda Harsy, Dave Klanderman, Mandi Maxwell, Sharon Robbert

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Many K-12 math teachers are not ready to teach from a conceptual and inquiry-oriented perspective because they have an algorithmic understanding of mathematics. One solution is to create a math teacher circle (MTC), which provides conceptual and inquiry-based learning activities and builds professionalism among the teachers. In this paper, we describe the origins of two such MTCs, highlighting the process of identifying leadership team members, submitting the grant proposal for seed money, and hosting launch events, intensive summer workshops, and monthly meetings during the academic year. We also share opportunities for professional development for college and university faculty, including research …

Specifications Grading In A First Course In Abstract Algebra, Mike Janssen

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Specifications grading offers an alternative to more traditional, points-based grading and assessment structures. In place of partial credit, students are assessed pass/fail on whether or not they have achieved the learning outcomes being assessed on a given piece of work according to certain specifications, with limited opportunities for revision of non-passing work. This talk will describe the learning outcomes and specifications grading system I used in my Fall 2016 abstract algebra course, as well as student responses.

Standards-Based Assessment In A Developmental Math Course, Valorie L. Zonnefeld, Michal Huizenga, Aaron Van Beek, Kate Van Weelden

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Learn why we decided to try standards-based instruction in an undergraduate, developmental algebra course and what we learned in the process.

Assessing The Association Between Quantitative Maturity And Student Performance In Simulation-Based And Non-Simulation Based Introductory Statistics, Nathan L. Tintle

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The recent simulation-based inference movement in algebra-based introductory statistics courses has provided preliminary evidence of improved student conceptual understanding and retention of key statistical concepts. However, little is known about whether these positive effects in courses using simulation-based inference are preferentially distributed across different types of students. Recent studies investigating predictors of student performance in traditional, algebra-based introductory statistics courses (Stat 101) have focused primarily on mathematical achievement or competencies in high school and early college. Little consideration has been given to how prior experience and competency with statistical thinking may be associated with student performance in college-level courses. In …

Effects Of Growth Mindset Training On Undergraduate Statistics Students, Valorie L. Zonnefeld

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Undergraduate introductory statistics courses have experienced numerous changes in the past century, for instance, increased enrollment and diversification of students required to take the courses. Promising research has been conducted on mathematical mindsets, however, no research is available for introductory statistics courses. This presentation addresses the effect of growth mindset training on students in mathematics.

Mindset Training For Undergraduates In Developmental Mathematics, Valorie L. Zonnefeld, Kate Van Weelden

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This poster highlights the work of an individual study that student Kate Van Weelden did in Dr. Zonnefeld's Math 100 class. Kate was a teacher assistant who led a lab session for 6 of the students in the Math 100 course. Throughout the semester Kate implemented incremental mindset training for her 6 students. The results showed a promising avenue for improved achievement, especially among males.

Student Performance In Curricula Centered On Simulation-Based Inference: A Preliminary Report, Beth Chance, Jimmy Wong, Nathan L. Tintle

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"Simulation-based inference"(e.g., bootstrapping and randomization tests) has been advocated recently with the goal of improving student understanding of statistical inference, as well as the statistical investigative process as a whole. Preliminary assessment data have been largely positive. This article describes the analysis of the first year of data from a multi-institution assessment effort by instructors using such an approach in a college-level introductory statistics course, some for the first time. We examine several pre-/post-measures of student attitudes and conceptual understanding of several topics in the introductory course. We highlight some patterns in the data, focusing on student level and instructor …

Combating Anti-Statistical Thinking Using Simulation-Based Methods Throughout The Undergraduate Curriculum, Nathan L. Tintle, Beth Chance, George Cobb, Soma Roy, Todd Swanson, Jill Vanderstoep

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The use of simulation-based methods for introducing inference is growing in popularity for the Stat 101 course, due in part to increasing evidence of the methods ability to improve students’ statistical thinking. This impact comes from simulation-based methods (a) clearly presenting the overarching logic of inference, (b) strengthening ties between statistics and probability/mathematical concepts, (c) encouraging a focus on the entire research process, (d) facilitating student thinking about advanced statistical concepts, (e) allowing more time to explore, do, and talk about real research and messy data, and (f) acting as a firmer foundation on which to build statistical intuition. Thus, …

Practical Applications Of An Integrally Christian Approach To Teaching Mathematics, Valorie L. Zonnefeld

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Descriptions of various frameworks and approaches to integrating Christian faith in the mathematics classroom are explored, as well as examples and techniques. In particular, a subject-centered approach is advocated in contrast to the traditional teacher-centered approach or, more recently, the student-centered approach.

Mindsets, Attitudes, And Achievement In Undergraduate Statistics Courses, Valorie L. Zonnefeld

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The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of theories of intelligence and an intervention of incremental mindset training on students’ attitudes toward statistics and their mastery of content in an introductory statistics college course. The sample was 547 undergraduate students at a small, faith-based, liberal arts college in the Midwest.

A pretest-posttest design was used for the three instruments implemented. The Comprehensive Assessment of Outcomes in a first Statistics course (CAOS) assessed students’ statistical literacy. The Student Attitudes Towards Statistics – 36© (SATS©) assessed six components of students’ attitudes toward statistics including affect, cognitive competence, difficulty, effort, …

Team Analysis And Review: Using Group Assessment For Learning, Kayt E. Frisch

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Team work is widely reported to be a highly desired skill by prospective employers and professional schools. To help my students develop teamwork skills I have been using group quizzes called “Team Analysis And Review” (TAARs) in my introductory algebra-based physics course. A TAAR takes the full 50-minute class period and the students will review the material on the quiz three times during the period: individually, in an assigned group, and finally as a whole class. The individual TAAR allows the student to identify personal gaps in their understanding of the material. The group TAAR encourages peer instruction and offers …

Weaving Experimental Skills Throughout The Introductory Laboratory, John Zwart

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The laboratory portion of an introductory course sequence can be used to meet a wide variety of goals ranging from illustrating phenomena studied in class, to building intuition about how the physical world works, to confronting the unexpected. Helping students develop experimental skills is a crucial goal that needs to be addressed in lab, especially in light of the fact that most introductory textbooks do not specifically address this topic. Important skills that students should learn in lab include how to analyze data, how to communicate results and the art of designing an experiment. This presentation will discuss how we …

Challenging The State Of The Art In Post-Introductory Statistics: Preparation, Concepts, And Pedagogy, Nathan L. Tintle, Beth Chance, George Cobb, Allan Rossman, Soma Roy, Todd Swanson, Jill Vanderstoep

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The demands for a statistically literate society are increasing, and the introductory statistics course ("Stat 101") remains the primary venue for learning statistics for the majority of high school and undergraduate students. After three decades of very fruitful activity in the areas of pedagogy and assessment, but with comparatively little pressure for rethinking the content of this course, the statistics education community has recently turned its attention to use of randomization-based methods to illustrate core concepts of statistical inference. This new focus not only presents an opportunity to address documented shortcomings in the standard Stat 101 course (for example, improving …

Spinning Tubes: An Authentic Research Experience In A Three-Hour Laboratory, Arnold E. Sikkema, Steven D. Steenwyk, John Zwart

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We discuss a three-hour laboratory that is a microcosm of physics research, starting with the discovery of an intriguing phenomenon, and including participation in “research conferences” and the interplay of theory and experiment. Students are given a small segment of PVC pipe marked at opposite ends with different symbols and asked to observe what happens when the pipe is placed on a horizontal surface and one end is pushed downward by a finger to initiate a rotation. Most students immediately recognize that the symbol at one end is visible while the other is not, and set about trying to understand …

Mathematics: Always Important, Never Enough: A Christian Perspective On Mathematics And Mathematics Education, Calvin Jongsma

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This article is an edited version of the keynote address delivered by Dr. Jongsma at the B.J. Haan Education Conference on Teaching Math in the Christian School, held at Dordt College on March 9, 2006, for elementary and secondary school mathematics teachers, primarily in Christian schools. The article was earlier published online in the 2006 Journal of the ACMS (http://www.acmsonline.org/Jongsma.htm).

Environmental Pulse In Academia, Delmar Vander Zee

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This feature article is based on a paper given for the 1993 Fall Faculty Lecture Series at Dordt College.

Environmental Impact Of Being Busy In The Creation, Delmar Vander Zee

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No abstract provided.

Norms For An Information Age, Willis J. Alberda

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No abstract provided.

Computer Science: Brave New Field, Gerald Hoekema

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No abstract provided.

Bond Of Union In Physical Science, Russell W. Maatman

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No abstract provided.

Recipe For A Moon, Edwin J. Geels

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No abstract provided.

Christian Commitment And Scientific Theories, Wytze Brouwer

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No abstract provided.

Certainty And Chance In The Physical Sciences, Wytse Van Dijk

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No abstract provided.

Antithesis In Physical Science, Russell W. Maatman

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No abstract provided.

Christian Astronomy Vs. Secular Astronomy, Richard G. Hodgson

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No abstract provided.

Uniformitarian Principle, Richard G. Hodgson

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No abstract provided.

Unifying Principle In Natural Science, Russell W. Maatman

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No abstract provided.

Response To Alloformitarianism, Richard G. Hodgson

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No abstract provided.