STOCHASTIC PROBLEMS AND APPLIED ORIENTATION IN MATHEMATICS TEACHING
The article deals with some aspects of the study of the discipline “Probability theory and mathematical statistics” by the students of economic specialties through the solution of practical exercises. The main aim of learning the course is to form the skills to apply the knowledge gained to the ta...
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Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Published: |
Alfred Nobel University Publisher
2021-06-01
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Series: | Vìsnik Unìversitetu ìmenì Alʹfreda Nobelâ: Serìâ Pedagogìka ì Psihologiâ |
Subjects: | |
Online Access: | https://pedpsy.duan.edu.ua/images/PDF/2021/1/20.pdf |
Summary: | The article deals with some aspects of the study of the discipline “Probability theory and mathematical
statistics” by the students of economic specialties through the solution of practical exercises. The main
aim of learning the course is to form the skills to apply the knowledge gained to the tasks in economics.
The concept of teaching probability theory and mathematical statistics is a process in which stochastic
concepts and ideas serve as a mathematical apparatus for solving specific problems. Nowadays it is
traditional to acquaint students with certain sections of applied mathematics, including probability theory
and mathematical statistics, as purely abstract theories. However, as the best we consider another
approach, according to which “a more adequate solution will be to acquaint the students with the methods
of mathematical models construction”. In solving the problems of an applied nature, students get an idea
of the necessity and universality of mathematics and its methods.
The value of stochastic problems is determined predominantly not by the apparatus used in the
process of their solution, but by the ability to demonstrate the process of usage of mathematics in solution
of non-mathematical problems. It is shown how, with the help of applied tasks, to familiarize students with
real examples of application of stochastic ideas and methods, as well as to make it possible to organize
specific activities necessary in the process of application of mathematics. The student, researching a
mathematical problem, formulates different questions and problems, then “transforms” them into the
notions of mathematics, in order to solve them by mathematical methods, and then adapt the solution
to the real problem, which was set at the beginning of the learning activity. This process is a process
of constructing a mathematical (probabilistic) model of a real situation, which can be considered a
mathematical activity in a broad sense.
Among the traditional stochastic problems there are many typically mathematical (intramodel) tasks
of such a kind, which were formulated by means of non-mathematical terms.
It is necessary to note that the real problems of an applied nature are rare in mathematics because
the stage of formalization (construction of a mathematical model of a non-mathematical situation) requires
to have a deep knowledge and mathematical culture. This fact generated the problem of selection of tasks
of applied nature that can be used in teaching.
The paper presents a number of examples where students are shown how, with the help of some
modification, a number of traditional problems of probability theory (formulated in the language of nonmathematical terms) can be developed into the tasks of applied nature. Expanding the range of such tasks
during the study of mathematics would have a positive effect on students’ attitudes to this discipline and
would increase their motivation to learn. Besides, the role of stochastic issues in mathematics and general
education would become more multifaceted.
For the university teachers of mathematics working with the students of economic specialties the
most important thing is the formation of students’ mathematical skills to use the mathematical apparatus
in their future professional activities. |
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ISSN: | 2522-4115 2522-9133 |