What do students gain from games? Dice games vs word problems. (27th February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Maurer, Karsten; Hudiburgh, Lynette; Werwinski, Lisa
• Is Part Of: Teaching statistics. Volume 42:Number 2(2020)
• Page Start: 41
• Page End: 46
• Publication Date: 2020-02-27
• Subjects: dice -- games -- probability -- teaching statistics; Statistics -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- Periodicals; Statistics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Periodicals; 373
• DOI: 10.1111/test.12214
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0141-982X

Abstract

Abstract: Learning the fundamentals of probability and random variables can be a struggle for many students. Games by their nature require active participation and reward mastery, lending naturally to the framework of active learning. In this study, we designed and evaluated the efficacy of a lab activity using a game where strategy hinges on sums of dice to teach about linear combinations of independent random variables. We found that both activities lead to improved understandings of course concepts, but the dice game provided increased student engagement and interest.