Developing a first-year seminar course in statistics and data science

Abstract

Statistical literacy is an increasingly important skill for today’s students. Undergraduate enrollments in statistics at both the introductory and advanced level have skyrocketed, and statistics education researchers have done much to modernize the curricula and increase student engagement. The course describes in this paper explores an alternative approach to statistical literacy and data science: a discussion-oriented, first-year seminar course. The seminar course emphasizes real data problems, student-led discussions and critiques, and the use of statistics in media and policy decisions. This paper will discuss the structure and justification, the content, and challenges instructors may face when adapting the course to their own institution.