Good High-School Level Text for Probability and Statistics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the search for suitable textbooks for teaching high school-level probability and statistics courses, including the AP Statistics course. Participants share their experiences and recommendations, focusing on non-calculus-based resources suitable for educators who may not have a strong background in statistics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a need for a textbook that is not calculus-based, as they are not teaching in a magnet school environment where students are taking calculus.
  • Another participant recommends "Introduction to the Practice of Statistics" by Moore, McCabe, and Craig, noting its suitability for high school math prerequisites and its comprehensive coverage of statistical concepts.
  • Some participants mention their own experiences with various textbooks, indicating that "Probability" by Jim Pitman is favored but may not be appropriate for high school or AP courses.
  • There is a discussion about the necessity of self-studying the material before teaching, given the participants' limited background in statistics.
  • One participant inquires about finding a good textbook for a range of student abilities, from low to high end, indicating a need for diverse resources.
  • Concerns are raised about the feasibility of teaching statistics in the upcoming year due to staffing and enrollment issues, with some considering postponing their teaching plans.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions on suitable textbooks, with some agreeing on the recommendation of "Introduction to the Practice of Statistics," while others highlight the limitations of certain texts for high school use. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best textbook choice, as multiple competing views are presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the need for non-calculus-based materials and express uncertainty about their ability to teach the subject effectively due to varying backgrounds in statistics. There are also references to the prerequisites and content coverage of recommended textbooks, which may not align with all teaching contexts.

Who May Find This Useful

Educators looking for textbook recommendations for high school probability and statistics courses, particularly those without a strong background in statistics or calculus.

Ackbach
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I'm contemplating the possibility of teaching either a regular probability and statistics course or maybe even the AP Stats course at my high school next year. However, I only took the first semester in statistics at the junior level in college (used multivariable calculus); that means I got some probability, but no real statistics. So I'd be starting more or less from scratch. I am quite capable of teaching myself from a typical textbook. So if you have spent time in examining multiple textbooks yourself, which one would you recommend?

ADDENDUM: This book should not be calculus-based.
 
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Ackbach said:
I'm contemplating the possibility of teaching either a regular probability and statistics course or maybe even the AP Stats course at my high school next year. However, I only took the first semester in statistics at the junior level in college (used multivariable calculus); that means I got some probability, but no real statistics. So I'd be starting more or less from scratch. I am quite capable of teaching myself from a typical textbook. So if you have spent time in examining multiple textbooks yourself, which one would you recommend?
I really like Probability by Jim Pitman.
 
I have tutored a number of psychology students in statistics from different universities.
Obviously math was not their strong suit, which is why they came to me.
They came with various books.
There was (only) 1 book that I recommend: Introduction to the Practice of Statistics by Moore, McCabe, and Craig.
Its prerequisite is high school math.

It may well help you to brush up your statistics.
It would be over the top for regular high school statistics, but may fit AP.
I learned quite a bit from it myself while tutoring.

It contains roughly:
  • the axioms of probability,
  • the descriptives of statistics,
  • hypothesis testing,
  • z-tests, t-tests, F-tests, chi-2 tests
  • linear/multiple regression
  • ANOVA
 
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Plato said:
I really like Probability by Jim Pitman.

I was thinking non-calculus-based. I'm not at a magnet school where freshmen are taking calculus. Do you have a suggestion for non-calc-based statistics?
 
Ackbach said:
I was thinking non-calculus-based. I'm not at a magnet school where freshmen are taking calculus. Do you have a suggestion for non-calc-based statistics?

Sorry, but I misunderstood what you meant. I thought that you wanted to self-study.
I agree that text is not suited for high school or even AP course.
 
Plato said:
Sorry, but I misunderstood what you meant. I thought that you wanted to self-study.
I agree that text is not suited for high school or even AP course.

Sorry about the unclear wording on my part. What I meant was that I would need to self-study whatever book I use to teach the class, since it's been so long.
 
Did you find a good textbook? I'm in a similar situation. Looking for a good textbook to teach high school prob. & stats. courses from low end to high end students.
 
McDerm said:
Did you find a good textbook? I'm in a similar situation. Looking for a good textbook to teach high school prob. & stats. courses from low end to high end students.

It's not looking terrific for me to teach stats next year (insufficient number of teachers and students, combined with a competition for a College Algebra course). However, it might happen the year after. If so, I'm thinking I would just go with Introduction to the Practice of Statistics, by Moore and McCabe (and Craig?).
 
Ackbach said:
It's not looking terrific for me to teach stats next year (insufficient number of teachers and students, combined with a competition for a College Algebra course). However, it might happen the year after. If so, I'm thinking I would just go with Introduction to the Practice of Statistics, by Moore and McCabe (and Craig?).

Thanks, I'll check it out.
 

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