Course Spotlight: How to set up a Statistics Programming course

How students can succeed - and how to help

When asked how students can best succeed in her course, she emphasizes that "teaching coding is kind of like teaching a foreign language. It’s a language! Practice makes perfect. They have to try out coding on their own." This hands-on approach allows students to immerse themselves in coding, improving their skills through active practice.

Leslie structures her coding assignments to ensure students experience early success. She explains, "So just generally in teaching coding, I like to make their assignments so that they have a little feeling of success at least in the beginning to whet their appetite. So you can't have it so hard that they're frustrated from the very first question; you’ll kill their spirit."

By gradually increasing the difficulty of assignments while ensuring initial accomplishments, she fosters a positive learning experience. This approach not only motivates students but also prepares them for the challenges ahead in coding.

When it comes to feedback, Hendrix goes beyond suggesting improvements in code. She provides personalized feedback on lines of code, focusing not just on technical corrections but also on encouragement. Even a simple emoji can go a long way in motivating her students!

Current trends and advice for educators

To stay updated on the latest trends in statistics and teaching, Leslie actively participates in professional communities and attends conferences. She explains, "You have to say yes to those kinds of interactions. You have to make time for that kind of thing." In addition, she speaks to CodeGrade team members and learns how to incorporate new features to make assignments more effective.

Leslie emphasizes that your students should know that you care. “They’ll have the best experience and so will you!” she notes. Building rapport and trust with students enhances their learning journey.

She also stresses that putting yourself in the position of your students is a crucial strategy for any educator. “Whether it’s how you’re going to deliver a lecture, how you’re going to interact with them in the lecture, or for the test questions and test format, always put yourself in their shoes”.

But how can you get there?

Leslie believes interaction is the key. If you interact with your students enough, you can understand their perspective. These insights, when actively put into the setup of a course, can boost student success and teacher effectiveness.

In a nutshell

Leslie Hendrix's statistics course at the Darla Moore School of Business exemplifies a student-centered approach to learning. Through engaging assignments, personalized feedback, and a commitment to staying updated with industry trends, Hendrix fosters an environment where students not only learn statistical concepts but also gain practical skills for real-world application. Her dedication to student success and innovative teaching strategies make her course a valuable resource for aspiring analysts and future business leaders!

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