Introductory Statistics in a World of Data Science: Where We Are and Where We Need to Head

• Activity Number: 42 - Introductory Overview Lecture: Examining What and How We Teach at All Levels: Key Ideas to Ensure the Progress and Relevance of Statistics
• Type: Invited
• Date/Time: Sunday, July 29, 2018 : 4:00 PM to 5:50 PM
• Sponsor: JSM Partner Societies
• Author(s): Nicholas J. Horton*
• Companies: Amherst College

Abstract

This is an exciting time for the statistics profession, with a flood of data available in myriad domains and an increased focus on the importance of data literacy. There continues to be growth in the number of students taking statistics courses. This has been accompanied by major changes in the curricula for introductory statistics courses. This talk will survey the landscape of introductory courses in an era of data science, and address questions regarding the role of computation, how to balance the needs of general education students and future statistics and data science majors, the role of the statistical analysis cycle, pathways to support student success, faculty development, and the relationships between high school and college preparation. These developments have important implications not just for educators but for practitioners and researchers as well.