STATISTICS AS BREADTH: THE MELBOURNE EXPERIMENT. I: CONTENT<br>AND DELIVERY


Authors: 
Ian Gordon, Sue Finch and Robert Maillardet
Pages: 
online
Year: 
2008
Publisher: 
Proceedings from the 6TH AUSTRALIAN CONFERENCE ON TEACHING STATISTICS (OZCOTS)
URL: 
http://silmaril.math.sci.qut.edu.au/ozcots2008/OZCOTS-08-Proceedings.pdf
Abstract: 

In 2008 The University of Melbourne introduced the `Melbourne Model' - a significant reform of<br>its degree structure. Students enrol in one of six new degrees; 25% of their degree points must be<br>taken as "breadth" material outside their core degree. This requirement can be met by enrolling<br>in a "University Breadth Subject" which is available to all students and has no pre-requisites. We<br>developed a subject called "Critical thinking with data". It has the bold intention of teaching<br>important elements of statistical science, with minimal mathematics. We present our approaches<br>to content and delivery of the subject. We made extensive use of visual and other media,<br>integrating case studies from the press and elsewhere with the pedagogical content. Much of the<br>background information is available via our learning management system. Three eminent guest<br>lecturers provided inspiration from fields in which critical thinking about data is integral.

The CAUSE Research Group is supported in part by a member initiative grant from the American Statistical Association’s Section on Statistics and Data Science Education

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