Abstract:

Statistics is in the base of many methods used in the decision making process. Therefore, understanding management decisions seems to be hard for the students as it relies on many statistical concepts. Most of the time they are confused with mathematical concepts and often they don’t see the application of it to real situations. Many authors argue that the best way to teach statistical concepts and, in special, its applicability in the industrial world, is to perform Experiential Learning Activities (ELA). ELA allows the instructor to develop the procedural knowledge first. While conceptual knowledge in build through a critical reflection of the situations that came up during the activity and the connection to previous learnings.

This paper describes the development and preliminary results of an experiential activity focused on the study of population parameters, stating hypothesis tests on product’s characteristics and their applicability to the industry. With the help of some coins we developed a fun and relaxed activity that enhances student’s motivation to work on the subject.

Keywords:

Hypothesis test, Experiential Learning Activities, Statistical concepts.