This paper is from Session 3H: Distributions to spatial statistics: New approaches to teaching statistic
which comes under Topic 3: Statistics education at the post-secondary level
Paper 3H3 (Monday 9th, 16:00-17:30)
Using a problem-driven approach for teaching statistics at the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences
Presenter
- Emanuele Giorgi (Lancaster University, United Kingdom)
Abstract
The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) is a research and education institute with multiple centers across Africa that offers Master-level programmes in statistics and applied mathematics. In this paper, I first describe the teaching context and pedagogical objectives of AIMS. I then propose a problem-driven approach for teaching statistics which emphasizes the role of statistical inference as integral to scientific investigation. Finally, I illustrate a sample activity where a case study in public health is used to introduce geo-statistical modelling to students. I argue that the proposed approach helps students at AIMS to develop critical thinking skills and gain a deeper understanding of the links between statistical modelling and science.