Effects of Implementing Projects in an Elementary Statistics Class
Abstract
"In hopes of reducing the percent of students receiving non-passing grades in elementary statistics classes, interactive hands-on projects were implemented in the classes. These projects gave students the opportunity to use personal data, discuss statistical concepts with each other, and strengthen the students' understanding, mastery and appreciation of the material covered in an elementary statistics class. Although no decrease in the percent of non-passing grades was observed and no noticeable shift in the overall grades occurred, there was a statistically significant increase in the students' perception of the teacher's ability to teach the course and the students' perception of the teacher's interest in the success of the students. Through further investigation, partial justification for the lack of significant change in non-passing grades was attributed to circumstances in students' personal lives that are beyond the control of the teacher and would not be affected by any change in teaching style."
