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Tag: George Woodbury

Comparing Two Samples (Quantitative)

Comparing Two Samples (Quantitative)

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My students are wrapping up the part of the course where we cover descriptive statistics. I gave them two sets of data (test scores from two different versions of the same exam) and they spent the day in class computing sample statistics and creating graphs for each sample. Their overall goal was to analyze their results and determine whether there was a significant difference between the two versions or not. Download a pdf of this activity Students compared measures of…

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Game On in Algebra: Unexpected Rewards

Game On in Algebra: Unexpected Rewards

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If you think back to some games you have played, what can be more fun than an unexpected reward? Unexpected rewards can be fun AND motivating. On the day that I pass back the first exam, I walk around with a bag of plastic gold coins. I hand one to each student who earned the full 3 points on the exam. (That means they leveled up by meeting the performance benchmarks on each HW assignment and quiz, and also scored…

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Statistics Classroom Activity for Sampling Techniques

Statistics Classroom Activity for Sampling Techniques

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This week I devoted a class period to sampling techniques (random, systematic, cluster, stratified, and convenience). Students worked on an Interactive Reading Assignment before coming to class, and I began class with a quick discussion of the different types and their strengths/weaknesses. After the discussion I followed up with a class activity designed to help students understand how to select a sample using the systematic sampling technique as well as introduce them to some of the sampling features of StatCrunch….

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Learning Catalytics Questions

Learning Catalytics Questions

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There is a growing pool of questions available inside Learning Catalytics. Some have been generated by the publisher, others have been generated by the community of instructors using Learning Catalytics. For my first Flipped Classroom I wrote my own questions (sample vs population, descriptive vs inferential, levels of data, …) and it was very easy to do. However, for day 2, I used 7 questions created by the publisher/author and the community of instructors and those questions were outstanding. The…

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Statistics – My New Approach

Statistics – My New Approach

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This semester I started a new approach in my Statistics classes. I wanted to focus more on conceptual understanding make class time more engaging introduce inference much earlier in the course – including the use of bootstrapping, simulation, and resampling cover nonparametric options for certain hypothesis tests The first strategy I decided to employ was the flipped classroom, incorporating peer instruction. We are using the eText (Interactive Statistics) that I co-authored with Michael Sullivan, and the Interactive Reading Assignments are…

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Mathematician in History Assignment

Mathematician in History Assignment

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I’m heading out to see The Man Who Knew Infinity this afternoon, and it reminded me of this blog post I did about my “Mathematician in History” assignments. (I read the book, and I give it my highest recommendation!) I hope you enjoy this post. – George ****************************************************************************** One key to building a sense of community is having assignments and projects that encourage groups of students to work together. One of my favorite projects is the Mathematician in History project….

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Using Folders to Learn Student Names

Using Folders to Learn Student Names

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I have been listening to a great podcast lately named “Teaching In Higher Ed” and it’s a great combination of teaching advice, new trends, productivity tips, and technology recommendations. You can find it on iTunes here, or go directly to the web site. I was listening to Episode 12 which dealt with ways to learn student names and it reminded me of a blog I shared in my old WordPress blog and I thought it was time for an update….

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Do It MY Way? No, Do It YOUR Way!

Do It MY Way? No, Do It YOUR Way!

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I was at a session at a small math conference last fall, and the presenter was going through their list of things students must do to learn mathematics. When the presenter said that students had to do things according to the instructor’s method (“They have to do it MY way!”), I am sure my jaw fell to the floor. In my experience you have to let students think and experiment in order for them to learn and understand mathematics. As…

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Math Education Lesson at the Museum

Math Education Lesson at the Museum

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Last month my wife and I visited the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto. We saved their Pop Art collection for the end because it’s a light way to finish a day at the museum. We were admiring an Andy Warhol piece on Elvis when a guide walked up to us and asked us if we’d like to learn about a piece in the next room. We love to learn, so we took her up on the offer. It did not…

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#ICTCM16 – My Session & Schedule

#ICTCM16 – My Session & Schedule

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Looking forward to my session on the importance of student discovery in developmental math at ICTCM this weekend in Atlanta. I will be sharing innovative approaches for getting your students involved in the discovery of material. When students are engaged and thinking the chances for understanding and success dramatically increase. The session is on Saturday morning from 9-9:30. I will be walking through Interactive Statistics in the exhibitor’s room from 10-10:30 on Friday morning. This is the new product I…

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