Faculty in the Math Department have developed an interesting project in MATH 1040 Statistics course. It takes place in two stages, the first stage being completed as a group project and the second stage an individual report. Here's the assignment. Students are provided this information regarding the ePortfolio.
Group Portion of the Project--Students are divided into groups and are asked to choose a research question, design a method for collecting data, analyze the results, and posting their work in their e-Portfolio. The purpose of the project is to have students collect and analyze data on the relationship between two quantitative variables, such as “Is shoe size of adult men related to height of adult men?” The students collect the data--ensuring a random sample--and put it into a table that is shared by all the students in the group.
Individual Portion of the Project--Once the data collection and sharing is completed, students move into the individual portion of the assignment. Each student writes a rather detailed report that includes descriptive statistics for each variable and correlation statistics for the two variables together. Students have to discuss the difficulties they encountered and come to a summary conclusion.
Reflection Prompts--Students post their individual report into their ePortfolio, along with their response to one of the following:
What process did you go through to complete this assignment?
What challenges did you face in completing the assignment? How did you address them?
What impact did this project have on your understanding of statistics?
Learning Outcomes Touched by this Assignment--This assignment addresses the following General Education outcomes:
Students communicate effectively. This includes developing critical literacies—reading, writing, speaking, listening, visual understanding—that they can apply in various contexts; Organizing and presenting ideas and information visually, orally, and in writing according to standard usage; Understanding and using the elements of effective communication in interpersonal, small group, and mass settings.
Students develop quantitative literacies necessary for their chosen field of study. This includes approaching practical problems by choosing and applying appropriate mathematical techniques; Using information represented as data, graphs, tables, and schematics in a variety of disciplines; Applying mathematical theory, concepts, and methods of inquiry appropriate to program-specific problems.
Students think critically and creatively. This includes reasoning effectively from available evidence; demonstrating effective problem solving; engaging in creative thinking, expression, and application; Engaging in reflective thinking and expression; Demonstrating higher-order skills such as analysis, synthesis, and evaluation; Making connections across disciplines; Applying scientific methods to the inquiry process.
Students develop the knowledge and skills to work with others in a professional and constructive manner. This includes engaging with a diverse set of others to produce professional work; Interacting competently across cultures; understanding and appreciating human differences; Understanding and acting on standards of professionalism and civility, including the SLCC Student Code of Conduct.
Students develop computer and information literacy. This includes using contemporary computer hardware and software to effectively complete college-level assignments; Gathering and analyzing information using technology, library resources, and other modalities; Understanding and acting upon ethical and security principles with respect to computer technology and to information acquisition and distribution; distinguishing between credible and non-credible sources of information, and using the former in their work in an appropriately documented fashion.