Preparing Students to Solve Real Problems With Statistics

Students who master basic statistical methods are not automatically good problem solvers. This can be challenging when starting a career in industry. The journey from problem to solution requires a basic understanding of the typical workflow of data-driven decision making. A simple framework for the process of data discovery is a practical and useful addition to basic statistics education. This paper will mention some challenges students often experience when they move into industry along with a framework that connects the problem-solving elements from data access to data exploration and analysis to sharing results. It will also share freely accessible teaching resources such as the JMP Case Study Library that can help bring statistical problem solving into the classroom.