Reducing Barriers to Teaching Novice Learners How to Code

Abstract Number:

1039 

Submission Type:

Invited Panel Session 

Participants:

Allison Theobold (1), Mine Cetinkaya-Rundel (3), Todd Iverson (4), Karen Word (5), Kelly Bodwin (6), Christopher Malone (2)

Institutions:

(1) Cal Poly, N/A, (2) Winona State University, N/A, (3) Duke University + Posit, N/A, (4) N/A, N/A, (5) The Carpentries, United States, (6) California Polytechnic State University, N/A

Chair:

Christopher Malone  
Winona State University

Panelist(s):

Mine Cetinkaya-Rundel  
Duke University + Posit
Todd Iverson  
N/A
Karen Word  
The Carpentries
Kelly Bodwin  
California Polytechnic State University

Session Organizer:

Allison Theobold  
Cal Poly

Session Description:

Writing code is an essential component to learning and doing statistics and data science. Yet, we hear many educators voice their hesitancy and frustrations teaching coding to novice learners in introductory statistics and data science courses. The panelists in this session will share pedagogical techniques (and philosophies) they have found the most successful when teaching coding to novice learners in a variety of settings, from introductory statistics and data science courses to workshops for a diverse community of learners. Statistics and data science educators Mine Cetinkaya-Rundel, Todd Iverson, and Kelly Bodwin will discuss their approaches to teaching coding in introductory courses. Mine energizes students on Day 1 by "letting them eat cake," whereas Todd takes a "writing first coding second" approach, and Kelly utilizes gameful activities to heighten students' interest and engagement while learning. Karen Word, the director of instructor training for The Carpentries, will offer perspectives on coaching individuals with potentially little teaching experience to facilitate workshops for a diverse group of novice learners.

Sponsors:

Justice Equity Diversity and Inclusion Outreach Group 3
Section on Statistical Computing 1
Section on Statistics and Data Science Education 2

Theme: Statistics and Data Science: Informing Policy and Countering Misinformation

No

Applied

Yes

Estimated Audience Size

Small (<80)

I have read and understand that JSM participants must abide by the Participant Guidelines.

Yes

I understand and have communicated to my proposed speakers that JSM participants must register and pay the appropriate registration fee by June 1, 2024. The registration fee is nonrefundable.

I understand