Applying Cognitive Theory to Statistics Instruction

Five principles of learning, derived from cognitive theory and supported by empirical results in cognitive psychology are presented, and each of these principles is transformed into a practical guideline and exemplified in a real teaching context to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Abstract

This article presents five principles of learning, derived from cognitive theory and supported by empirical results in cognitive psychology. To bridge the gap between theory and practice, each of these principles is transformed into a practical guideline and exemplified in a real teaching context. It is argued that this approach of putting cognitive theory into practice can offer several benefits to statistics education: a means for explaining and understanding why reform efforts work; a set of guidelines that can help instructors make well-informed design decisions when implementing these reforms; and a framework for generating new and effective instructional innovations.