The Mathematical Education (한국수학교육학회지시리즈A:수학교육)

Korean Society of Mathematical Education (한국수학교육학회)
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Challenges Faced by a Mathematically Strong Student Intransferring his Success in Mathematics to Statistics: A Case Study

  • Received : 2015.06.15
  • Accepted : 2015.08.04
  • Published : 2015.08.31
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Abstract

This study qualitatively investigates the nature of the challenges that a student who is highly successful in mathematics faces in learning college-level elementary statistics. The study draws on the constructs of eagerness, flexibility and willingness to characterize the necessary disposition for critical thinking that is essential in learning statistics. The case study is based on data collected through a survey assessment and a follow-up interview with a mathematics major enrolled in an elementary college statistics course at the time of the study. The qualitative analysis relies on the student's verbal descriptions of the challenges he was experiencing in the course. The findings suggest that while his strong inclination towards inquisitive learning and strong understanding of mathematical concepts supported this student's mathematics learning, the same characteristics might have been causing him difficulties in learning college-level elementary statistics.

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References

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