Learning the language of statistics: Challenges and teaching approaches

Peter K Dunn; Michael D Carey; Alice M Richardson; Christine McDonald

doi:10.52041/serj.v15i1.255

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Learning the language of statistics: Challenges and teaching approaches

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Learning the language of statistics: Challenges and teaching approaches

Peter K Dunn, Michael D Carey, Alice M Richardson and Christine McDonald

Statistics Education Research Journal, Vol.15(1), pp.8-27

2016

DOI: https://doi.org/10.52041/serj.v15i1.255

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Abstract

Curriculum and Pedagogy

Specialist Studies in Education

statistics education research

undergraduate students

discipline language

teaching practice

Learning statistics requires learning the language of statistics. Statistics draws upon words from general English, mathematical English, discipline-specific English and words used primarily in statistics. This leads to many linguistic challenges in teaching statistics and the way in which the language is used in statistics creates an extra layer. This paper identifies many challenges in teaching statistics related to language and the use of language. Some implications for the effective learning and teaching of statistics are raised and methods to help students overcome these linguistic challenges are suggested.

Details

Title: Learning the language of statistics: Challenges and teaching approaches
Authors: Peter K Dunn (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Michael D Carey (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Alice M Richardson (Author) - University of Canberra
Christine McDonald (Author) - University of Southern Queensland
Publication details: Statistics Education Research Journal, Vol.15(1), pp.8-27
Publisher: International Association for Statistical Education
Date published: 2016
DOI: 10.52041/serj.v15i1.255
ISSN: 1570-1824
Organisation Unit: School of Education - Legacy; Indigenous and Transcultural Research Centre; School of Education and Tertiary Access; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Engage Research Lab
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99449578602621
Output Type: Journal article

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