The course leading to the CERTIFICATE IN TEACHING STATISTICS (up to Pre-university Level ) is designed to support professional development in the teaching of statistics in secondary education. Many teachers, including those with Mathematics degrees, find themselves teaching statistical courses, either within a course in secondary mathematics or as supporters of other disciplines (eg the social or physical sciences) without the background knowledge and experience that they would like. This course is specifically designed for such teachers. It encourages self-learning in the development of statistical topics within standard secondary courses and enables teachers to develop a broader base of understanding that will enable them to teach the subject with more confidence and increased effectiveness. A problem solving approach is used throughout.

Course Documents

Course Books

• Agresti, A., and Franklin, C. (2009) Statistics - the Art and Science of Learning from Data. 2nd Edition New York: Pearson Prentice Hall.
  This is the main book that will be used, together with the computer resources which accompany it.
• Clarke, G. M. and Cooke, D. (2004) A Basic course in Statistics. London: Arnold. (http://www.basicstatistics.co.uk/).
  This book covers theoretical aspects and reference to it will be made where appropriate.

Accompanying Material for the Course

1. Handbook for Participants - Presents full details of the course.
2. Course Preparation, including an overview of statistics, support mechanisms and its contribution to society
   Preparatory material for considering the course book and attitudes to statistics.

Section 1 Thinking Statistically – Stages of Problem Solving

This section is concerned with learning how to approach statistics and handling data from a statistical, as opposed to a mathematical perspective.

1. Preparation for Day 1
2. Material for Day 1

Section 2 Statistical Problem Solving and Learning Statistics

This section covers material to enable greater understanding of probability, probability models and their relationship to real life problems.

1. Preparation for Day 2
2. Material for Day 2

Section 3 Statistical Problem Solving and Teaching Statistics

This section covers statistical inference, including confidence intervals and hypothesis tests. It also engenders appreciation of the use of statistics in other subjects

1. Preparation for Day 3
2. Material for Day 3

Section 4 Statistical Problem Solving and Assessment

This section shows how statistical understanding can be assessed and how coursework is necessary to enhance statistical understanding.

1. Preparation for Day 4
2. Material for Day 4

Computer Supported Teaching in Statistics (web site)

This is a password-protected resource section on the course web site which covers online support and other reference resources.

Reference Resource Materials (web site)

These resources are concerned with pedagogic issues in teaching, learning and assessment in statistics. They contain many educational insights, applications, activities and examples for enhancing teaching, learning and assessing the subject.

• Web Reference Resource 1 - Learning Statistics
• Web Reference Resource 2 - Teaching Statistics
• Web Reference Resource 3 - Assessment for Learning

*The development of the course was part-funded by a grant from the University of Lancaster Postgraduate Statistics Centre in conjunction with Mathematics in Education and Industry