Mrs Anna Fergusson

Biography

I joined the statistics department at the start of 2015 as a Professional Teaching Fellow. Before joining the department, I was Director of Mathematics and Statistics at Avondale College. I have a Master of Professional Studies (Mathematics Education) with First Class Honours from the University of Auckland. I am currently studying towards a PhD in Statistics and Data Science Education, under the supervision of Maxine Pfannkuch, Chris Wild and Stephanie Budgett.

I am interested in Statistics and Data Science Education, in particular curriculum and assessment design, and enjoy facilitating workshops to support professional development of teachers. I have worked with the New Zealand Ministry of Education and the New Zealand Qualifications Authority on the development of national assessment standards, tasks and teaching resources for statistics. I also run a blog for statistics teachers: Teaching statistics is awesome

Research | Current

My MProfStuds (Mathematics Education) explored how teachers use informal tests to determine the fit of a probability distribution model. I developed a new informal test for the fit of a probability distribution model that incorporates sample size and the expected variation of sample proportions within a new simulation-based modelling visualisation tool.

My PhD research aims to find accessible ways to introduce statistics students to data science. This will include building data-related knowledge and capabilities and computational thinking within the New Zealand Curriculum for Statistics.

Teaching | Current

STATS100 Concepts in Statistics (2018 - 2021)

STATS101/101G/108 Introduction to Statistics (2015 - 2021)

STATS150 Lies, Damned Lies and Statistics (2015 - 2017)

Distinctions/Honours

Early Career Excellence in Teaching Award (University of Auckland, 2020)

Goldstone Travelling Award (Faculty of Science, University of Auckland, 2020)

Teaching and Learning Development Grant (Faculty of Science, University of Auckland, 2020)

SEED grants for innovation in teaching (University of Auckland: 2018, 2019, 2020)

Teaching commendations from Dean of Science (University of Auckland: 2017, 2018, 2019)

Mathematics Education Technology Prize (University of Auckland, 2016)

First in class, STATS 708 (University of Auckland, 2015)

First in class, EDPROFST 787 (University of Auckland, 2015)

Jim Campbell Award for Excellence in Teaching (New Zealand Association of Mathematics Teachers, 2013)

Areas of expertise

Statistics education

Data science education

Education data

Technology for learning

Educational leadership

Committees/Professional groups/Services

New Zealand Statistical Association Education Committee (Steering group)

Ministry of Education Review of Achievement Standards Subject Expert Group (Statistics)

Statistics and Data Science Educator journal (Website and Technical Editor)

American Statistical Association

International Association for Statistical Education

Auckland Mathematical Association

New Zealand Association of Mathematics Teachers