Challenges and opportunities for statistics and statistical education: looking back, looking forward

TL;DR

This paper reflects on the history and future of statistics and statistical education, emphasizing the importance of adapting to data science growth through multivariable thinking, data skills, and simulation-based problem solving.

Contribution

It offers a historical perspective and discusses future opportunities for statistical education in the context of data science advancements.

Findings

Historical insights into the founding of ASA

Emphasis on multivariable thinking in education

Advocacy for simulation-based problem solving

Abstract

The 175th anniversary of the ASA provides an opportunity to look back into the past and peer into the future. What led our forebears to found the association? What commonalities do we still see? What insights might we glean from their experiences and observations? I will use the anniversary as a chance to reflect on where we are now and where we are headed in terms of statistical education amidst the growth of data science. Statistics is the science of learning from data. By fostering more multivariable thinking, building data-related skills, and developing simulation-based problem solving, we can help to ensure that statisticians are fully engaged in data science and the analysis of the abundance of data now available to us.