A problem-solving course in statistics for mathematical science students

Abstract

A “Statistics Problem-Solving” course has been designed for the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) and given to 47 students on a Mathematical Sciences MSc in Cameroon. The course exposed students to problems in statistics ranging from design, collection, manipulation and organisation of data through to analysis and reporting through games and simulated and real data. Students also worked in groups to explore and report on a specific problem. These included climate for agriculture, procurement for corruption, a poverty survey and 5 other topics. The students’ evaluations confirmed that the course was an “eye opener” with some students stating a new-found interest despite no previous background in statistics. For others, it was totally different to their past statistics courses. This paper presents this statistics problem-solving course, which was designed to excite and engage students through experiential learning.