Pedagogical Considerations for Simulation-Based Inference in a Large-Enrollment Introductory Biostatistics Course

• Activity Number: 654 - Teaching Introductory Statistics Using Simulation-Based Inference Methods
• Type: Topic Contributed
• Date/Time: Thursday, August 3, 2017 : 10:30 AM to 12:20 PM
• Sponsor: Section on Statistical Education
• Author(s): Matthew Beckman* and Kari Lock Morgan
• Companies: Penn State University and Penn State University
• Keywords: statistical education ; simulation-based inference ; introductory statistics ; large enrollment ; pedagogy ; biostatistics

Abstract

This presentation discusses steps taken to integrate simulation-based inference (SBI) methods into an introductory biostatistics course. An overview of the course structure is provided, as well as pedagogical considerations relevant to SBI in a large enrollment context for undergraduate students in life science majors. Specific topics include use of inquiry-based framework, a complementary approach to SBI and non-SBI methods in order to emphasize conceptual understanding, and strategies for accommodating--perhaps even benefiting from--large enrollment for this type of course. Lastly, the presentation will compare and contrast this course with other approaches to introductory statistics using SBI.