Maria Tackett (Duke University)
Abstract
Data and statistics are important parts of many modern careers and daily activities. Therefore, it is imperative that students are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for effectively working with data and making data-informed decisions. This means not only learning methods and statistical thinking but also a set of other skills needed to apply this knowledge beyond the classroom. There has been extensive research and guidelines regarding the concepts to include in statistics and data science courses and effective pedagogical approaches for teaching them, especially at the introductory level. Thus, this talk will focus on the other skills students need, specifically computing, communication, collaboration, and data ethics. I will outline strategies for incorporating these skills in statistics and data science courses and share examples. Including these skills as an integral part of the curriculum can ultimately help students make stronger connections between how they engage with data inside and outside of the classroom.
Presenter Bio:
Maria Tackett is an Assistant Professor of the Practice in the Department of Statistical Science at Duke University. Her research focuses on examining factors that impact students’ sense of belonging in introductory math and statistics courses, along with identifying pedagogies that foster community and supportive learning environments. Maria has worked with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Charles A. Dana Center on projects to develop introductory statistics courseware and instructional materials. She is an associate editor for the Journal of Statistics and Data Science Education, an editor for the “Taking a Chance in the Classroom” column in CHANCE magazine, and part of the steering committee for the current GAISE College Report revision.