Online Program Home
My Program

Abstract Details

Activity Number: 74 - Challenges and Approaches to Teaching Statistics in the Health Sciences
Type: Contributed
Date/Time: Sunday, July 29, 2018 : 4:00 PM to 5:50 PM
Sponsor: Section on Teaching of Statistics in the Health Sciences
Abstract #328720 Presentation
Title: Mixing Active Learning and Lecturing: Using Interactive Visualization as a Teaching Tool
Author(s): Jessica Minnier* and Ted Laderas
Companies: Oregon Health & Science University and Oregon Health & Science University
Keywords: education; active learning; interactive learning
Abstract:

Interactive visualizations are a powerful tool for teaching statistical and mathematical concepts using an active learning context. The interactive format can help develop intuition and understanding for abstract and unfamiliar mathematical topics. However, to be useful, these visualizations must be mixed with didactic lecturing in order to introduce the fundamentals of mathematics and statistics. In this presentation, we present our teaching methods and results using interactive visualization to teach statistics to adult beginners in health research and other disciplines at the Oregon Health & Science University Data Science Institute, a two day workshop emphasizing data science skills. We demonstrate the approach using publicly available health datasets and provide examples of using interactive visualizations to increase 'data curiosity' and student confidence. We will discuss both strengths and drawbacks to this approach, including class participation, effectiveness of this approach for diverse learners, as well as student feedback on our lectures.


Authors who are presenting talks have a * after their name.

Back to the full JSM 2018 program