I just received a review which stated that statistics should not be taught
by the use of rules. For example a rule might be: "if you wish to infer
about the central tendency of a non-normal but continuous population using
a small random sample, then use nonparametrics methods."
I see why rules might not be appropriate in mathematical statistics
classes where everything is developed by theory and proof. However I teach
statistical methods classes to business students.
It is my belief that if faculty do not give rules in methods classes, then
students will infer the rules from the presentation. These
student-developed rules may or may not be valid.
I would be intested in reading what other faculty say about
rule-based teaching depending on whether you teach theory or methods
classes.
Mark Eakin
Associate Professor
Information Systems and Management Sciences Department
University of Texas at Arlington
[EMAIL PROTECTED] or
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
