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University of Toledo

Course Implementation

Course Design

Introduction to Statistics is a fully online course, in which all work is completed in MyStatLab. Most students work from home. Assignments have set due dates with limited extensions; students are encouraged to work ahead.

Assessments

Students have several opportunities throughout the term to complete bonus assignments for extra points.

All assessments are graded and recorded by MyStatLab. Students review their results and if they think there is an error, may e-mail or phone the instructor for a review.

Use of MyStatLab

Prior to fall 2006, the course was presented using WebCT for homework and tests using the algorithmic capabilities for writing problems, and MyMathLab for videos. Since full adoption of MyStatLab in spring 2007, all work is done in MyStatLab: required homework, tests, and the final exam. Students participate via discussion postings in MyStatLab, and when needed, the instructor creates a virtual classroom.

Use of MyStatLab contributes to 100 percent of a student’s final grade.

Results and Data

Prior to 2005, Introduction to Statistics was offered without the benefit of any Pearson MyLab product. According to Gwen Terwilliger, professor emeritus, since the addition first of MyMathLab and then MyStatLab, final exam scores and retention rates for the course have significantly increased. Table 1, which contains data from the time of adoption of MyMathLab in fall 2005 through spring 2009, reflects a consistent increase in both.

“MyMathLab offered my students more tools and more ways to learn,” says Terwilliger. “Then MyStatLab provided two more big improvements: Help Me Solve This and the algorithmic function. Help Me Solve This has resulted in a huge upswing in learning. Because questions are specific, I am able to give the kind of targeted clarification students would receive in a face-to-face classroom setting. It’s drastically reduced the number of e-mails I receive looking for help and, more important, has enabled my students to go further on their own and come test time.”

Terwilliger attributes the learning increases illustrated in Table 1 to the best practices enabled by MyStatLab.

• Required postings to MyStatLab’s online discussion board promote increased communication and collaboration among the students. This kind of peer-to-peer advising is another way students reinforce what they know and gain valuable confidence in themselves as capable learners.
• MyStatLab’s immediate feedback keeps students informed of their progress in the context of learning. Students can rework problems until they earn 100 percent. Terwilliger reports that nearly all her students “go for the 100.” As a result, students gain more practice and are more prepared for tests.

Table 1. Comparison of Student Success and Drop/Fail/Withdrawal Rates from Fall 2005 through Spring 2009

The Student Experience

Whether used in class or online or as a supplement or a complete course, MyStatLab provides students with everything they need to succeed in one convenient location.

Student feedback on Terwilliger’s online format is positive.

• “I really like the format of our class homework on [MyStatLab], particularly the wide assortment of tools to help us master the material. I’ve found the Similar Exercise, Help Me Solve This, and View an Example links most helpful. This is my first interactive online course, and I really like it. The more helpful insight and tools, the better!”