The Teaching of Practical Statistics

This book is intended to enable teachers of statistics to relate their courses to what practising statisticians do in real life, and to give their students the skills needed to apply their theoretical knowledge to real problems. The authors start by discussing what Statistics is, and proposing a list of abilities which the ideal statistician would have. They look at the aims of Statistics teaching and the value to students of introducing practical concerns, such as writing reports and working to deadlines. They go on to consider various ways of teaching statistical practice and to look at the advantages and disadvantages of each. Finally, they describe the method which they have found most effective - the use of a sequence of projects carefully tailored to the background and needs of the classes concerned. Several examples of projects are discussed, and the book concludes with a substantial collection of detailed project suggestions graded roughly according to their level of sophistication. This book will be useful to all teachers of Statistics courses, including those aimed at non-statisticians, in universities, colleges and schools. It will also be of interest to students.