International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
Volume 1, Number 2, 2007

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Research Article

Abstract

Assessing the Gains from Concept Mapping in Introductory Statistics

In an effort to improve active learning in introductory statistics, we introduce the use of concept mapping techniques as part of the course.  While previous papers have touted the use of this and other interactive teaching methods in statistics education, we add to this literature by providing additional assessment of its efficacy.  This comes through an experimental design that involves a single instructor teaching two sections of the same statistics course over the same semester.  Both cover the same material in the same way with the exception that concept mapping is used in one section, but not the other.  Assessment of learning outcomes is done through the use of pre-tests and post-tests of understanding of statistical concepts.  We also track changes in student’s study habits over the semester through additional surveys.  We find only weak evidence that concept mapping is effective in aiding student learning of statistics.

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Bio

David Doorn
University of Minnesota Duluth
Duluth, Minnesota, USA
ddoorn@d.umn.edu

I received my doctorate in economics from North Carolina State University. I am an Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota Duluth where I teach undergraduate courses in statistics, macroeconomics and advanced econometrics.  I participated in the American Economic Association’s Teaching Innovations Program and was awarded a Certificate of Achievement for that work.  I also worked with a group of faculty under a grant from the Archibald Bush Foundation investigating reflective teaching practices in the classroom.  The classroom innovations I introduced as a part of these programs resulted in my interest in SoTL, particularly in the area of assessing the effectiveness of those innovations.  I also have continuing research interests in macroeconomics and applied econometrics.

Maureen O’Brien
University of Minnesota Duluth
Duluth, Minnesota, USA
mobrien@d.umn.edu

I am a Morse-Alumni Distinguished Teaching Professor of Economics at the University of  Minnesota Duluth (UMD) where I have been teaching undergraduates since completing my Ph.D. at West Virginia University.  In my 23 years at UMD I have taught a wide variety of courses including statistics, microeconomics and labor economics.  I continually seek ways to enhance the learning experience of my students and recently participated in the American Economic Association’s Teaching Innovations Program and was awarded a Certificate of Achievement for completing the requirements of that program.  My interest in SoTL involves assessing the effectiveness of classroom innovations.  My current research also involves investigating the relationship between social capital and issues in labor economics.

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