Learning Development in Statistics Education

Mair, C. and Fu, J. (2024) Learning Development in Statistics Education. In: International Association for Statistical Education Satellite Conference 2023, Toronto, Canada, 11-13 July 2023,

Abstract

Educators and employers value statistical and data analytical skills, and the ability to infer meaningful conclusions from a wide variety of data, with these skills in-demand in many companies and industries globally. Employability is complex and does not only reflect a persons ability to obtain employment, it encompasses their professional capacity within a particular field. In 2022, final year statistics students at the University of Glasgow were asked to complete a graduate employability survey to assess subject specific skills, networking skills, the target job market and extracurricular activities. 44 (or 67% of) students responded to the survey. When asked what useful skills they developed through their programme all students responded with a combination of specialised programming skills, statistical analyses, teamwork, and problem solving. When asked what characteristics they believe would help them get employed, students responded with a combination of communication skills, writing skills, insights into industry, willingness to learn new things, organisation, and computing skills. 81% agreed that they can use skills obtained from their learning in future employment, but only 54% were clear about their future career plans. Only 50% believe that they will perform well in future interviews and 54% agreed that they can write an effective CV. 30% agreed they were confident in transferring their academic skills to the job market. Programming and statistical analyses are at the core of a career in data analytics, as reflected in the level of confidence in these students. Transferability of skills and soft skills such as communication, writing, self-directed learning are also essential for success. By offering more authentic developmental learning opportunities, potentially through direct collaboration with the range of student learning development services available, we may better support students in future employability.

• Item Type: Conference Proceedings
• Additional Information: In: EM Jones (Ed.), Fostering Learning of Statistics and Data Science: Proceedings of the Satellite conference of the International Association for Statistical Education (IASE) 2023.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Mair, Dr Colette
• Authors: Mair, C., and Fu, J.
• Subjects: L Education > L Education (General)
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Mathematics and Statistics > Statistics

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