Fritz, C. O., Francis, B., Morris, P. E. and Peelo, M. (2010) SIMPLE: helping to introduce statistics to social science students. Responding to the Mathematics Problem: The Implementation of Institutional Support Mechanisms. , pp. 51-58.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Abstract: | Social science students are typically less than positive about developing quantitative skills. This paper reports on efforts, with support from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), to identify and address problems that arise when teaching quantitative analysis skills to social science students. Problems include: the misperception that quantitative skills are not relevant to their field; wide variation among students in their basic skills; and lack of resources to support the learning of quantitative skills. Through the SIMPLE (Statistics Instruction Modules with Purposeful Learning Emphasis) project, a mechanism is provided to help tutors address these problems. SIMPLE is a practice-based system for teaching statistical concepts and skills to social science students and is based on principles from psychological research about learning. The project has two main components: • Software that will organise, schedule and track performance on online teaching units with user-friendly interfaces for both tutors and students; • A small set of fully defined online modules, including explanatory materials and embedded formative and diagnostic assessment. Both the software and the modules are being developed as a pilot project and are being used for first year psychology students in 2007-2008. They will be made available to interested parties in the summer of 2008 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Statistics learning, interactive teaching materials |
| Subjects: |
H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) > H62 Study and teaching. Research H Social Sciences > HA Statistics L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB1028.43 Computers in education. Web-based instruction. Educational technology |
| Creators: | Fritz, Catherine O, Francis, Brian, Morris, Peter E and Peelo, Moira |
| Funders or Sponsors: | ESRC |
| Grant Reference Number: | RES-043-25-0007 |
| Publisher: | Maths, Stats and OR Network, Birmingham, UK |
| Faculties, Divisions and Institutes: |
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > School of Social Sciences (to 2016) University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Faculty of Health & Society > Psychology Faculties > Faculty of Health & Society > Psychology |
| Date: | 2010 |
| Date Type: | Publication |
| Page Range: | pp. 51-58 |
| Journal or Publication Title: | Responding to the Mathematics Problem: The Implementation of Institutional Support Mechanisms |
| Language: | English |
| Status: | Published / Disseminated |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| URI: | http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/5838 |
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