Interdisciplinary and differentiated learning of statistics in an online MPH

Authors

  • Marta Avalos-Fernandez SISTM team INRIA BSO, Talence
  • Gaëlle Coureau BPH Research Center, Bordeaux

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52041/iase2023.111

Abstract

Statistical literacy is necessary for evidence-based public health practice. However, introductory statistics courses can be challenging and stressful for continuing education students. The Master of Public Health program at the University of Bordeaux offers an international open and distance learning program to address the increasing demand for public health education from working professionals who have limited time for training or geographical constraints. To enhance the learning experience, the program has developed problem-based approaches based on epidemiological studies and data by integrating statistics and epidemiology courses. Additionally, the program adapts coding learning objectives to students' skills and career plans by teaching R with two interfaces. While RStudio is recommended for students planning to enter data sciences as it requires more advanced coding skills, R Commander is suitable for students with weak computer skills and those who don’t plan to evolve in data sciences. This strategy has proven to be an effective compromise.

References

Abbasnasab Sardareh, S., Brown, G.T.L. & Denny, P. (2021). Comparing four contemporary statistical software tools for introductory data science and statistics in the social sciences. Teaching Statistics 43, S157– S172.

Amde, W.K., Sanders, D. & Lehmann, U. (2014). Building Capacity to Develop an African Teaching Platform on Health Workforce Development: a Collaborative Initiative of Universities from four sub Saharan Countries. Hum Resour Health. 12(1), 31.

Alexander, L., Igumbor, E.U. & Sanders D. (2009). Building Capacity without Disrupting Health Services: Public Health Education for Africa through Distance Learning. Hum Resour Health. 7(1), 28.

Calhoun, J.G., Ramiah, K., Weist, E.M. & Shortell S.M. (2008). Development of a Core Competency Model for the Master of Public Health Degree. Am J Public Health. 98(9), 1598-607.

Forrester, C., Schwikert, S., Foster, J., & Corwin, L. (2022). Undergraduate R Programming Anxiety in Ecology: Persistent Gender Gaps and Coping Strategies. CBE life sciences education, 21(2).

Fox, J. & Bouchet-Valat, M. (2022). Rcmdr: R Commander. R package version 2.8-0, https://socialsciences.mcmaster.ca/jfox/Misc/Rcmdr/.

Ijsselmuiden, C.B., Nchinda, T.C., Duale, S., Tumwesigye, N.M. & Serwadda, D. (2007). Mapping Africa’s Advances Public Health Education Capacity: the AfriHealth Project. Bull World Health Organ. 85(12), 914‑22.

Luttenberger, S., Wimmer, S. & Paechter, M. (2018). Spotlight on math anxiety. Psychol Res Behav Manag. 11:311-322.

Miller, A. & Pyper, K. (2023). Anxiety Around Learning R in First Year Undergraduate Students: Mathematics versus Biomedical Sciences Students. Journal of Statistics and Data Science Education. DOI: 10.1080/26939169.2023.2190010

Mokwena, K. (2007). Training of Public Health Workforce at the National School of Public Health: Meeting Africa’s Needs. Bull World Health Organ. 85(12), 949‑54.

Oster, R.A. & Enders, FT. (2018). The Importance of Statistical Competencies for Medical Research Learners. J Stat Educ. 26(2), 137-142.

R Core Team (2023). R: A language and environment for statistical computing. R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria. URL https://www.R-project.org/.

Santa Maria da Feira European Council 19-20 June 2000: Conclusions of the Presidency [Internet]. [cited 30 April 2023]. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/summits/fei1_en.htm#II

Wilson, J. (2012). Statistical computing with R: selecting the right tool for the job—R Commander or something else? WIREs Comp Stat. 4, 518-526.

Downloads

Published

2024-03-29

Conference Proceedings Volume

Section

Topic 1: Fostering Learning in the Current Data Landscape