Abstract:

Actually Statistics is an indispensable tool to do practical applications in Social Sciences, so it turns out to be attractive to develop didactic innovative experiences that increase the interest of the students and offer alternative choices to gain knowledge and information. Up to now, we have developed several connected experiences to adapt the teaching and learning process to the ECTS context. In particular, the first project consisted of developing a virtual platform of statistics to give the pupils didactic resources additional to the traditional ones using the new computer technologies available. The second one included a selection of the above curricular materials (available on the virtual platform) and new self-learning and self-evaluation questionnaires in a multimedia Statistical CD-Rom. With the third project we introduced continuous and global evaluation techniques proposing the development of a portfolio. Our students could choose between making an single final exam and creating their own portfolio with practical work and applied exercises. Finally this academic course we are proposing a Learning Agreement to help students understand their role in the overall process. We think that in this context of teaching-learning process where pupils are an active element, this methodology resolves particular educational situations where students often need assessment. In such cases, the Learning Agreement contains the activities and results that students have to get through supervised learning, as well as mutual expectations and responsibilities related to the learning process.

Keywords:

innovation methodologies, portfolios, learning agreement.