Teaching applied statistics courses using computer laboratory final examinations

Tania Prvan, Margaret Mackisack

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference proceeding contributionpeer-review

    Abstract

    Courses taught in Applied Statistics, such as regression or multivariate analysis, tend to have the examination component based on a final written paper, either with computer output attached for interpretation or with summary statistics given so the calculator can be used to evaluate test statistics and hence make inference, or a mixture of both. Assignments may be based on students using a statistical package to do the analysis. The authors found this approach unsatisfactory. The first author trialled at the University of Canberra in 2001 both a mid semester computer based examination and final computer based examination with the students being allowed to use a variety of statistical packages. Student feedback was so favourable that she taught the course the following year in the same manner as well as a regression course. When she moved to Macquarie University she split the final examination for the third year regression course she was in charge of in 2004, 2005 and 2006 into a computer laboratory examination and a separate written paper. We have been unable to find more than a small number of other examples of this approach, which seems to have considerable promise as a way of implementing authentic assessment in applied courses. As well as case studies, issues associated with setting, running and marking such examinations are discussed.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationSymposium proceedings
    Subtitle of host publicationassessment in science teaching and learning : September 28, 2006 : the University of Sydney
    Place of PublicationSydney
    PublisherUniServe Science
    Pages101-106
    Number of pages6
    ISBN (Print)1864878657
    Publication statusPublished - 2006
    EventAssessment in Science, Teaching and Learning - Sydney
    Duration: 28 Sept 200628 Sept 2006

    Conference

    ConferenceAssessment in Science, Teaching and Learning
    CitySydney
    Period28/09/0628/09/06

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