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Improving Statistics Education at Wright State University with Design Project Based Learning, Problem Solving, and Peer Review

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Conference

2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Location

Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia

Publication Date

March 28, 2025

Start Date

March 28, 2025

End Date

March 29, 2025

Tagged Topic

Diversity

Page Count

17

DOI

10.18260/1-2--54673

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/54673

Download Count

45

Paper Authors

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Trevor Joseph Bihl Wright State University

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Terry Lynn Oroszi Wright State University

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Subhashini Ganapathy Wright State University

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Jeffrey B. Travers Wright State University

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Abstract

Widespread knowledge of statistical methods is essential in engineering and medical disciplines, primarily for experiment design, data analysis, and interpreting significant results. Often, this knowledge is expected to be gained through a service course in statistics whereby the focus is on breadth and covering the practical extent of methods commonly used in a field. However, students frequently enter statistics courses with negative attitudes, compounded by traditional teaching methods that focus on trivial examples and a general lack real-world relevance. At XYZ University, innovative approaches in statistical education were implemented across the XY and ZQ departments. These innovations include design project-based learning, where students undertake semester-long projects to collect and analyze data, and problem-solving focused on real-world ambiguity and complexity. Additionally, innovation-based learning in the form of peer review—through blinded reviews of class projects and critical evaluations of published work—was integrated to foster critical thinking and exposure to real-world applications of statistics. These changes resulted in greater student engagement, practical learning outcomes, and multiple peer-reviewed publications from course projects.

Bihl, T. J., & Oroszi, T. L., & Ganapathy, S., & Travers, J. B. (2025, March), Improving Statistics Education at Wright State University with Design Project Based Learning, Problem Solving, and Peer Review Paper presented at 2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference, Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia. 10.18260/1-2--54673

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