How a Computer-based Concept Mapping Can Be Used In Statistics Education: A Case of ANOVA

This paper presents a recently developed computer-based concept mapping tool (www.conceptmapsforlearning.com), and shows how it can be used by statistics educators in a formative assessment cycle. The website was developed based on established principles of effective assessment for learning. We present an illustrative example using the topic of analysis of variance to show how teachers can use the website to assess students' conceptual understanding, provide them with individualized feedback, and engage them in meaningful remedial activities to help improve their understanding. Teachers need only to choose the set of concepts to assess. The tool automatically generates graphical feedback, as well as linked explanations, examples, problems, and reflective activities based on individual areas of weaker conceptual understanding. For further studies, we are planning to expand the variety of topics to which the tool may be applied, and to gather teachers' perceptions about the usability of the website in their courses.