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An evaluation of an online and activity-based statistics course in a Polytechnic
Author
Thang, Tze Yian
Supervisor
Tan, Seng Chee
Abstract
This evaluation study investigated whether a combination of e-learning and activity-based approach were suitable for manufacturing students studying the Statistics module. The pilot programme was introduced for one semester to 75 students while the other 84 students would continue with the lecture-tutorial system. The programme was entitled MATH TRAIL to denote Towards Reasoning And Inquiry Learning.
Students had to explore concepts by themselves using online interactive exercises. For topics where online contents were not ready, there would be mini lectures. During tutorials, students had to present the solutions they derived in their assigned small groups. Continual improvements were made based on the data collected throughout the semester.
The research questions were: As a result of the MathTRAIL programme,
♦ have the participants demonstrated a better understanding of the concepts and how has the MathTRAIL programme helped in the process?
♦ have the participants become more motivated to learn Statistics and how has the MathTRAIL programme helped to increase their motivation?
It was found that a blended approach worked for these students, as previews of the concepts could then be reinforced during e-learning and tutorials. The instructor, too, had to play multifaceted roles: a superb lecturer, an effective e-facilitator and a patient coach, to ensure the effectiveness of the approach.
Students had to explore concepts by themselves using online interactive exercises. For topics where online contents were not ready, there would be mini lectures. During tutorials, students had to present the solutions they derived in their assigned small groups. Continual improvements were made based on the data collected throughout the semester.
The research questions were: As a result of the MathTRAIL programme,
♦ have the participants demonstrated a better understanding of the concepts and how has the MathTRAIL programme helped in the process?
♦ have the participants become more motivated to learn Statistics and how has the MathTRAIL programme helped to increase their motivation?
It was found that a blended approach worked for these students, as previews of the concepts could then be reinforced during e-learning and tutorials. The instructor, too, had to play multifaceted roles: a superb lecturer, an effective e-facilitator and a patient coach, to ensure the effectiveness of the approach.
Date Issued
2003
Call Number
LB2395.7 Tha
Date Submitted
2003