Simon Massey (Manchester Metropolitan University), Muzammal Mann (Manchester Metropolitan University)
Abstract
This session will present a pedagogic model evidenced to motivate social science students to pursue a career in data analytics. Nationally recognised in the UK as one of the most effective teachers of statistics for social science students, the Manchester Metropolitan Q-Step Centre is a team of social scientists with extensive evidence to argue playful techniques build positive attitudes and reduce statistics anxiety. The workshop outlines our pedagogic model, illustrated with practical examples, demonstrating what it is like to learn statistics through playful, inclusive, immersive, and student-centred learning. The session will be led by Dr Simon Massey, Director of the Manchester Metropolitan Q-Step Centre and Senior Lecturer in Quantitative Sociology. Simon’s research on Mathematics Anxiety, combined with the knowledge and experience of his team, teaching statistics for over 15 years, has produced an empirically tested pedagogic model that uses playful techniques to build confidence and competence in statistics, whilst reducing maths anxiety. In addition to discussing the examples of teaching, the goals of the session are to demonstrate:
- Why social science students struggle studying statistics at university
- How attitudes to statistics depend on socio-demographic factors and educational experience
- How students’ attitudes towards statistics are decided for them, not by them
- Live examples of learning statistical concepts through playful methods
The intended audience are those teaching statistics in higher education or looking to explore playful pedagogies themselves.. Pre-requisite knowledge required would be teaching introductory statistics or new to teaching statistics. No technology requirements for the audience.