Game time: statistical contests in the classroom

TL;DR

This paper discusses a classroom contest on variable selection in a graduate statistics course, emphasizing the educational benefits of student-created contests to enhance data analysis skills.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach of student-led statistical contests within a course to improve engagement and practical understanding.

Findings

Student-created contests increase engagement and understanding.

The approach encourages active learning and data analysis skills.

The method is recommended for broader adoption in statistics education.

Abstract

We describe a contest in variable selection which was part of a statistics course for graduate students. In particular, the possibility to create a contest themselves offered an additional challenge for more advanced students. Since working with data is becoming more important in teaching statistics, we greatly encourage other instructors to try the same.