The statistical consultancy workshop as a pedagogical tool

Abstract

In this article we present and analyse the results of three related experimental studies: (1) the use of statistics in a sample of mathematics education doctoral theses in Spain; (2) the attitudes towards data analysis and statistical consultancy by doctoral students in education; (3) the future statistics consultants perception of their competence for consultancy work. We also describe a project aimed to implement two didactical devices, which would improve the researchers' attitudes and use of statistics and the future consultants' competence. This project would serve to link together prospective consultants and clients within a Statistical Consultancy Unit at the Faculty of Education.

The teaching/learning process in university statistical consulting labs in the United States

“…More importantly, both can develop an appreciation of collaboration that they carry with them after they graduate and into their professional careers. This is consistent with Godino, Batanero, and Jaimez's (2001) conception of :…”

Statistical research and consulting in universities from developing countries: The Colombian case

“…As Godino et al (2001) recommends consultancy courses should have an essentially practical orientation and be based on the philosophy of workshops and seminars, with the support of a network of centres where practices would be carried out. Smith (1994) considers that a consulting course must be based on three items:…”

“…Consulting skills should therefore be an important aspect of statistical training (Belli, 2001). In Colombia, like in Spain, there is neither a culture that favours statistical consultancy, nor a deserved scientific or economical recognition of this work (Godino et al, 2001).…”

Learning from experience

“…Teaching of consultancy, if to be effective, must attempt to give students practice in doing consultancy, for example, by having them sit in on or participate in consulting sessions (see Rangecroft, & Wallace, 1998), or by setting up consultancy situations based on real problems. See also Belli (2001), Godino et al (2001) and Ospina and Ortiz (2001) for discussion of training in consultancy. Ideally facilitators of training courses in consultancy should themselves have experience of acting as consultants, or at least have worked as practical statisticians, and, as Nelder (1986) comments, every statistician's training should involve collection and analysis of their own data -and that involves learning about the area of application.…”

“…This has happened in the pharmaceutical industry, but in few other areas. Most statisticians would prefer to be collaborators and joint authors rather than thanked in a foot-note if their contribution is at all substantial, but the survey results reported by Godino et al (2001) suggest that it will be some time before statisticians are readily accepted as joint authors. In all cases statisticians must be given the opportunity to veto any incorrect statistical work or misunderstandings on the part of the researchers, and mistakes can occur as Stangl (2001) comments.…”