How to Effectively Teach Applied Statistics to MPA Students? Yahong Zhang, PhD Associate Professor Rutgers University-Newark yahongzh@rutgers.edu

The Facts/Challenges Applied statistics (or whatever you call in your program) is one of the most challenging courses for students. Fear due to weak mathematics background. Many students try to postpone taking it. Unfamiliar language, including abstract concepts, technical terms, and “strange” wordings It is required and import. NASPAA recommends. Needed skills in big data era Evidence-based decision making by public managers: abilities to collect information, identify useful information, and analyze information. Students may not recognize the importance of the course. Very likely to receive low teaching evaluation scores from students.

What Should We Do? … More practically, we may do these… Principles Help students develop confidence with statistics. Stimulate students’ interest in using statistics. Make grading more transparent and fair. … More practically, we may do these…

Something to do beforehand SPAA requires MPA students take applied statistics no later than the second semester To leave students the flexibility of retaking it. To relieve some frustration. I recommend conducting diagnostic test on arithmetic and algebra skills in the first class meeting To identify students who need extra help. To help students understand their challenges. To encourage (force) them to work harder.

Somethings fundamental Basic concepts need to be clearly explained, although this is overlooked in textbooks. Such as dataset, case (analysis unit, observation), variable, value, measurement level, measurement unit, modeling Basic logics should be clearly demonstrated – we use statistics for good reasons The purpose is to find general pattern and to test hypotheses/theory. A large sample is used to generalize a phenomenon. Measurement should be consistent and comparable. Measurement and modeling are processes of simplification. Analysis results should be interpreted in a conservative and accurate way (e.g., the use of p value).

Somethings fundamental The tangled needs to be untangled. Examples: Correlation coefficient vs. regression coefficient T test in correlation, regression, or mean comparison? Chi square in contingency table or model fit test? Use real data and examples in PA for teaching Select a textbook with PA context Force students to practice more with analytical skills 7 quizzes a semester A comprehensive research project with real data at the end for students to apply methods to address questions in real world

Other Thoughts Class engagement Appropriate (useful but less complicated) software programs for data management and analysis Be patient and encouraging all the time

Thanks!