A Probability Class Report
In this talk,
we will discuss a simple but comprehensive student report/project on
probability distributions that aims to enhance students' understanding of basic
probability concepts, help them gain an appreciation of the various
applications of probability and improve their skills in communicating
mathematical ideas. The project is suitable to any junior or senior
level calculus-based introductory probability course. The project
first requires the student to either interview an expert in a field which uses
probability or research articles about a probability distribution not covered
in class. The student is then required to make either an oral or
written report on their findings. Their report should include a formal
definition of the distribution, a discussion of the background or origin of the
distribution, some basic properties of the distribution including the
derivations and a thorough discussion of an application of the distribution.
In the talk, we will discuss how this project enhances the students understanding
of basic probability concepts and how it helps students gain appreciation of
the applications of mathematics in general and probability in particular.
We will also discuss how this activity help the students develop
their mathematics communication skills.