Teaching Statistics Using R and a Flipped Classroom

• Activity Number: 453
• Type: Roundtables
• Date/Time: Wednesday, August 7, 2013 : 7:00 AM to 8:15 AM
• Sponsor: Section on Teaching of Statistics in the Health Sciences
• Author(s): Megan Neely*+
• Companies: Duke University
• Keywords: R ; flipped-classroom ; statistical eduction ; new users ; interactive learning

Abstract

Using the R programming language to illustrate statistical concepts and "flipping the classroom" are two approaches that have recently gained momentum in statistical education. R has increased in popularity for a variety of reasons; paramount among these is that R is free, open source software. Flipping the classroom is gaining popularity because it allows students to actively apply new knowledge in a collaborative learning environment. At this roundtable, we will discuss how using R in conjunction with a flipped classroom can enhance students' understanding of statistical concepts and practices for both statistics majors and non-majors. Topics covered at this roundtable will include, but are not limited to, advantages of R over other statistical packages, challenges of teaching R to new users and non-statisticians, challenges and benefits of flipping the classroom, and format of a flipped course.