PROMOTING GROWTH AND EXCELLENCE IN DATA SCIENCE EDUCATION: DEVELOPING A MENTORING ECOSYSTEM

Abstract

The last two decades have seen a massive growth in data science education in the tertiary sector. While historically undergraduate students avoided and disliked ‘statistics’, data science is increasingly recognized as a fascinating, essential foundation for all fields. Consequently, introductory data science units are embedded in many academic pathways, resulting in large, diverse cohorts. How can we promote excellence in curriculum, while continually needing to increase the body of skilled educators?

Our study focuses on two flagship units in data science with very large enrolments. We outline how developing a mentoring, team teaching ecosystem has not only leveraged off the increasing cohort sizes, but enabled the professional development of tutors and demonstrators, and a culture of continual improvement in learning activities and assessments.