Reflection on Assignment 2: History of Normal Distribution

My presentation on the history of the Normal Distribution was a fulfilling experience, allowing me to explore and share a topic I’ve previously avoided. My challenges with Probability and Statistics in college, exacerbated by the limitations of online instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic, had made me hesitant to revisit the subject. However, I am determined to offer my future students an engaging and meaningful experience in this area. To prepare myself, I’ve taken a different approach—exploring its history, conducting research, forming my own connections, and collaborating with others. I believe my presentation achieved two key goals: informing my classmates about the historical development of the Normal Distribution and deepening my understanding of how to approach Probability and Statistics creatively and confidently.  

Learning about the history of the Normal Distribution was particularly valuable. While the development of the concept reflects a Eurocentric perspective—dominated by British and French mathematicians—it also highlights the collaborative and iterative nature of mathematics as a discipline. The formulas and principles we use today emerged over decades, shaped by contributions from multiple thinkers. It was fascinating to discover that its origins were rooted in error analysis in astronomy and later expanded into social sciences, underscoring the interconnectedness of different fields.  

I learned a lot from the research process itself. Analyzing diverse sources, synthesizing information, and organizing it into a compelling narrative were deliberate and enriching steps. If I were to recreate this assignment for my classroom, I would scaffold the skills necessary for each stage, helping students engage with the history of mathematics while aligning the activity with mandated core competencies.  

Here’s a fun insight I gained during my research: there are contrasting views about the field of Probability and Statistics. Jordan Ellenberg, in "How Not to Be Wrong: The Power of Mathematical Thinking", describes probability and statistics as humanity’s attempt to control the randomness of the world—framing it as a response to uncertainty rather than a necessity. Conversely, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson argues that human perception is inherently biased, making probability and statistics essential for providing an objective lens. Interestingly, the Normal Distribution and Probability and Statistics didn’t emerge until the 18th century, suggesting that this method of thinking is not intuitive and was not considered essential for survival in ancient societies. A classroom discussion on this topic would invite reflection on the nature of mathematical knowledge and its role in our understanding of the world.