Online Program

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Thursday, October 3
Thu, Oct 3, 3:48 PM - 5:00 PM
Evergreen I
Speed Session 2

Creative Methods for Teaching Data Visualization: Using Play-Doh in the Statistics Classroom (306464)

Brenna Marie Berry Butler, University of Tennessee 
*Jennifer Ann Morrow, University of Tennessee 

Keywords: Statistics Education, Data Visualization, Arts-Based, Graduate Students

As statistics educators not only do we instruct our students on the proper analyses to address their research questions but also how to clearly disseminate these analyses. Understanding effective data visualization techniques is critical for an up and coming statistician. Our poster is focused on describing a hands-on, collaborative class activity to teach novice statistics students data visualization techniques.

In groups of 3-4 students, the teams are given a variety of art supplies (e.g., playdoh, markers, poster board, rulers) and a detailed research scenario with statistical analysis output. Groups are instructed to create visually-appealing poster boards that can be used in a presentation for their client. They are told that the goal is to review all of the analyses and present them in an effective and engaging way. Upon completion, the group presents their results to the class as if it was a client presentation.

In our poster we will present a description of our collaborative activity, faculty and student perceptions of the activity, as well as suggestions for both graduate and undergraduate statistics faculty on how to incorporate similar activities within their courses.