Three Methods to Engage Students in the Introductory Statistics Course: Humor, Active Learning, and Relevant Examples

Abstract

This paper contends that the required introductory statistics course can be fun, interesting, and relevant. A search of the recent literature in the area points to three possible methods for accomplishing this: humor, active learning, and realistic and relevant examples. This paper provides illustrations of how to incorporate the three methods under study -- humor, active learning, and relevant examples -- into traditional introductory course of study. Finally, the authors' experiences with the use of these techniques and the results of a student survey are presented and discussed.

Keywords: statistics education, humor, active learning

JEL Classification: A22, C10, I10, I21, I29