Computer as a tool for changing attitudes towards mathematics

Abstract

In an Economic Statistics course, we were faced with the challenge of forming mathematical thinking in students with often strongly negative attitudes towards mathematics. We had to contend with a reduced number of hours compared to courses in the previous accreditation. For instruction, we chose the creation of simple statistical models in a spreadsheet application, which could be created even without understanding how and why a theory works. Theoretical justification and the derivation of models was required of only the best students.