Effects of Statistical Software Package on the Knowledge Retention of Fourth Year Students in Statistics

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is now considered part of everyday living. It started when educators realized its importance in classroom settings. Thus, most of the teachers these days make an effort to utilize ICT as a medium to facilitate learning. This study assessed the effect of Statistical Software Package on students' knowledge retention in Statistics. Likewise, the respondents' learning habits and attitudes towards Statistics; the use and extent of difficulties in using Statistical Software Packages were also considered.

METHODS

The study utilized the descriptive correlational method of research. The respondents of this study were determined through the universal sampling technique. The researcher used the questionnaire method to gather information from the respondents. It was supplemented by documents to assess the respondent's performance during the class and after a year as they finish the course and unstructured interview for more in-depth analysis. The following statistical tools were used to analyze the gathered data: frequency, percentage, rank, weighted mean, descriptive measure, and Spearman Rank Correlation.

RESULTS

Almost all of the respondents understand their responsibility and aware of their tasks in the course and ensure that they are able to accomplish it on the allotted time given but they have the anxiety of the subject that hinders them in acquiring the full details of the lesson tackled. And still, they bear confidence in doing the subject and show eagerness in learning Statistics. Moreover, the students were at a certain extent of difficulty in performing varied statistical computations using a statistical software package even though they are the 21st-century learner and known to be computer natives. Likewise, the respondents manifest poor knowledge retention in Statistics. However, their poor knowledge retention in Statistics could not be associated with the utilization of statistical software packages and even in their difficulties of using it.

DISCUSSIONS

The results establish that the respondents' level of knowledge retention was not related to the use of Statistical Software Package. Furthermore, self-eagerness to learn or personal motivation may consider in order for them to realize the importance of the subject which may lead to the essence of learning. No matter how advanced the technology, Statistics or even other disciplines still requires a unique teaching methodology to help each student grasp its concepts easily.