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This project will develop, implement, evaluate, and disseminate a radically different but much needed introductory statistics course that is based on the following diverse but interconnected foundations:
Lesson plans and materials developed for and software tools used in the AIMS project. These lessons are based on instructional design principles from cognitive science and mathematics education, and are based on the ASA-endorsed GAISE guidelines.
Mathematics and engineering education materials and research on the use of Model Eliciting Activities to promote conceptual understanding, problem solving skills, and integration of key ideas.
Cognitive research on the use of activities that engage students in inventing new structures and procedures to promote retention and transfer of learning.
Recommendations by leading statisticians and materials built on these recommendations to make inference and randomization the focus of the course and to eliminate traditional but outdated content.
Workshops and support for teachers who want to implement aspects of the CATALST course.
Assessment aligned and integrated with instruction.
Collaborative classroom research to provide timely and useful information and guidance in developing and implementing the CATALST materials and to provide evidence of impact on student learning as well as on teachers’ beliefs and practice.
For more information and to express interest in being a class tester, please contact Joan Garfield at jbg@umn.edu
University of Minnesota Team: Joan Garfield, Bob delMas, Andy Zieffler
Cal Poly Team: Allan Rossman, Beth Chance, George Cobb, John Holcomb
Advisors: Bill Finzer (Key Technology), Danny Kaplan (Macalaster College), Cliff Konold (U Mass Amherst),
Richard Lesh (Indiana University) Tamara Moore (U of Minnesota),
Dennis Pearl (OSU, CAUSE), Roxy Peck (Cal Poly), Dan Schwartz (Stanford), Chris Wild (U of Auckland, NZ)
PRESENTATIONS
Zieffler, A., Garfield, J., & delMas, R. (August, 2009). Stirring the Pot – Being a Catalyst for Change. Talk presented at the 2009 Joint Statistical Meetings, Washington, D.C.