Active Learning in Statistics Courses in Higher Education

• In Event: 28.089 - MTCC Roundtable Session 10
  In Roundtable Session: 28.089-10 - Varied Perspectives on Student Learning: Student Learning Communities and Personalized, Active, and Interdisciplinary Learning

Abstract

Numerous studies demonstrate the effectiveness of introducing active learning techniques in statistics courses, improving student attendance, motivation, interest and grades. The aim of this paper was to analyze the effect that student assessments of active learning methodologies have on variables related to academic success. We introduced and assessed a similar set of active methodologies in six class-groups in statistics and econometrics courses. We gathered student opinions (319) through two questionnaires. We estimated different econometric models to analyze the data collected. Among the results, a better valuation of active methods implies better grades, especially for students with lower average grades. These active learning methods also contribute to this last student group becoming more involved and encouraging them to improve their self-efficacy.

Authors

• Maria Gil Izquierdo

• Juan Fraile, Fundación Universidad Francisco de Vitoria

• Eva Medina, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid