Data
Analysis and Research Methods
Characteristics of Course
The purpose of this course is to provide a foundation for
further studies in science, for studies in college, and for
meeting the challenges of life and the workplace. This foundation
is built upon the notion of becoming statistically minded and thus
developing a good understanding of the scientific method and also
becoming wise consumers of statistics. At the core, is the goal of
clearly establishing the notion and realization of variability in
all facets of life and how to identify, quantify, and measure it.
This leads to an appropriate experience with experimental design,
starting with one-factor-at-a-time experiments, then proceeding to
multivariate design. Teaching techniques are hands-on,
interactive, integrated and thematic. Emphasizing the theme that
"Learning is a Consequence of Thinking", systematic ways
to develop high order thinking, to obtain deep knowledge, and to
use creative and critical thinking skills are taught. The course
is:
Modeled after a training program developed at Ford Motor
Company and developed in collaboration with Bert Gunter/Merck
Research Laboratories, and Gary McDonald/General Motors Research
Department
- Project Driven and Hands-on (students generate their own
data – Deming)
- Student & teacher manuals (classroom tested materials)
- Provides opportunity to use technology (computers,
calculators, interactive T.V.)
- Efficient (stresses retention, understanding, and
application of a few essential understandings necessary to
becoming statistically minded. Focus is on the vital few
verses the trivial many. The course attempts to identify 20%
of the concepts that are used 80% of the time.
- Graphical Methods
- Opportunities for enrichment and extension
Thinking Centered: research-based
- Acquiring knowledge by design verses knowledge as
information (Students think through what they are learning
about)
- Strategies for thinking are developed
Standards Based and Integrated
- NCTM and Michigan Mathematics Curriculum Frameworks
- NSTA and Michigan Science Curriculum Frameworks
- American Statistical Association
- Michigan Curriculum Framework For English Language Arts and
Social Studies
Staff development addresses content knowledge and best ways
to teach that content
- On-the-job training
- Classroom Consulting
- Long Term
- Team Teaching
- Seminars and study group
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