A Study of Faculty Views of Statistics and Student Preparation Beyond an Introductory Class

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to better understand the role of statistics in teaching and research by faculty from all disciplines and their perceptions of the statistical preparation of their students. This study reports the findings of a survey administered to faculty from seven colleges and universities regarding the use of statistics in teaching and research with undergraduate students. The introductory statistics course serves as a foundation for statistical methods that students learn and use in classes within numerous other disciplines. Information was collected from faculty on how students can be better prepared in the introductory statistics class to use statistics in other disciplines. Findings from this paper imply that statistics is being widely used in a variety of disciplines but also suggest that cooperative communication and transitional second courses in statistics be implemented. This paper also highlights the varied statistical techniques that faculty members teach in their courses and mentor in student research projects and statistical experiences.

Statistics Instructors' Perceptions of Statistics Literacy in Different Undergraduate Programs

“…At this point, raising individuals with statistical literacy emerges as an important goal. Doehler, Taylor and Smith (2013) investigated to understand the role of statistics in teaching and research by faculty from all disciplines and their perceptions of the statistical preparation of their students. They administered a survey to 747 faculty members from seven colleges and universities regarding the use of statistics in teaching and research with undergraduate students.…”

“…International Journal of Research in Education and Science (IJRES) 869 guidelines for teaching statistics (e.g., GAISE report), or authors who write textbooks and offer professional development workshops for statistics instructors. Also, Doehler, Taylor and Smith (2013) stressed that it is unknown whether faculty in client disciplines are aware of this guideline. Besides, present study it could be said that instructors could not put statistical literacy at the center of their instruction.…”

The State of Statistics Education Research in Client Disciplines: Themes and Trends Across the University

“…This proportion has actually increased recently; in a similar survey conducted in 2001 it was estimated that 52% of instructors viewed statistics as secondary (McAlevey, Everett, and Sullivan 2001). A survey of faculty at seven research institutions and four-year colleges in the southern United States found that 6% of faculty teaching statistics had never actually taken a statistics course themselves (Doehler, Taylor, and Smith 2013).…”