DEVELOPING POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS STATISTICAL THINKING IN UNIVERSITY: EVALUATION OF A STATISTICAL THINKING LEARNING ENVIRONMENT MODEL

Abstract Introduction: Statistics education is critical for researchers in health disciplines as it underpins quantitative approaches to empirical research. This presentation evaluates a model for an interactive, postgraduate level statistics course in university that is designed to develop students' statistical reasoning and thinking. The model used for this study is called 'Statistical Thinking Learning Environment' (STLE) and is underpinned by the Constructivist Theory of Learning. A constructivist theoretical approach to learning maintains that new knowledge and understandings are based on our existing knowledge and beliefs and grounded in our experiences. We learn by doing. And when we learn, our previous knowledge does not go away; it is integrated with the new knowledge. The implication of current theories of learning is that good education practice consists of designing learning environments that motivate students to construct knowledge. This involves activities that provide students with many opportunities to think, reason, and reflect on their learning, as well as discussing and reflecting with their peers. Method: The STLE model was developed to enhance students understanding of statistics, their ability to think and reason statistically, and apply the statistical skills in practice. The STLE is the interactive combination of course materials, class activities and culture, discussion, online technology, teaching approach, and assessment. 90 students in the 2010 cohort were invited to participate in study to evaluate the six principles of the model, which are: 1. Focus on developing central statistical ideas rather than on presenting set of tools and procedures. 2. Use real and motivating data sets to engage students in making and testing research hypotheses. 3. Use classroom activities to support the development of students' reasoning and critical thinking. 4. Integrate the use of appropriate technological tools that allow students to test their inferences, explore and analyse data, and develop their statistical reasoning. 5. Promote classroom discourse that includes statistical arguments and sustained exchanges that focus on significant statistical ideas. 6. Use assessment to learn what students know and to monitor the development of their statistical learning as well as to evaluate instructional plans and progress. Mixed research methods using both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used to evaluate the effectiveness of STLE method to enhance students learning and applications of their learning in their research and work related projects. Results: The participants who responded to both qualitative interview and quantitative survey indicated that the STLE model significantly enhanced their critical thinking development and enhanced their learning and research skills in quantitative research. Discussion and conclusions: STLE model was an effective approach to statistics education and the six principles outlined earlier are key elements in developing a class where students are engaged in making and testing inference using data, discussing and explaining statistical reasoning, and focusing on the implication and implementation of statistical principles in further research and work