Students' probabilstic simulation and modeling competence after a computer-intensive elementary course in statistics and probability.

Modeling and simulation with the software Fathom has become an important part of an introductory course on probability and statistics for future mathematics teachers at our institution. We describe our conception of modeling and simulation competence that students are supposed to acquire. We use various means such as modeling guidelines, simulation plan and a guidebook with examples for simulations to support students' learning processes. We report on results of empirical studies that made us change and extend our initial educational approach.