Stochastic competence of university graduates

This article is concerned with investigation of one of the components of the subject (mathematical) competence — stochastic competence of students. Today without well-developed perceptions of random events and their probabilities, without good understanding that the phenomena and processes we are involved in, are subject to complex laws of probability theory, there cannot be any productive activity in any sphere of society. The article shows that the method for developing stochastic competence studied through the course “Theory of probability and mathematical statistics” should be aimed at creating the possibility of using stochastic knowledge in conditions of uncertainty, when the problem to be solved, not obvious enough; as well as at developing the ability to analyse the situation and decide on the proposed solutions; at developing the ability to combine information from different sources at the same time taking into account the large number of different conditions and restrictions. The student, upon completion of the course on stochastic should demonstrate the ability to analyse the used methods of solutions, interpret the results with due account for the set problem, formulate and write down the final results of the solution to the problem, draw conclusions on the basis of the data obtained. The teacher in return, should encourage students to independent study. Development of stochastic competence can also be linked with making experiments that are advisable to carry out in the form of a game. Group work when using active learning methods models random, often non-standard situations that may occur to assess the students’ stochastic competence. Obviously, the material of the academic discipline (the theory of probability and mathematical statistics) should meet the current level of science and be taught within a certain didactic system that reflects this science, and its laws. The question concerning the structure of the course in terms of its accessibility or complication should be solved on psychological and educational basis.