Mathematics and Statistics Colloquium: A learner-centered approach to teaching computational modeling, data analysis, and programming

Mathematics and Statistics Colloquium
A learner-centered approach to teaching computational modeling, data analysis, and programming

Dr. Devin Silvia
Director of Undergraduate Studies Dept. of Computational Math, Science, and Engineering
Michigan State University      

Abstract: One of the core missions of Michigan State University's Department of Computational Mathematics, Science and Engineering (CMSE) is to provide education in computational modeling and data science to MSU's undergraduate and graduate students. In this presentation, I will describe our creation of CMSE 201, "Introduction to Computational Modeling and Data Analysis," which is intended to be a standalone course teaching undergraduate students (both STEM and non-STEM) core concepts in data analysis, data visualization, and computational modeling. I will discuss the rationale behind the "flipped classroom" instructional model that we have been using and explain the course's design principles and implementation. The concepts and skills students learn in this course can be used by other disciplines as the foundation for integrating computing across the curricula in undergraduate degree programs.

Bio: Devin is the Director of Undergraduate Studies and a teaching specialist in the Department of Computational Mathematics, Science and Engineering at Michigan State University (MSU). He received his PhD in Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences from the University of Colorado where he worked as a computational astrophysicist running simulations aimed at understanding various facets of chemical evolution in the universe. Most recently, Devin has been pursuing computing education research to better understand how students learn to do computational and data science and help inform pedagogical approaches in these disciplines. As part of this effort, Devin co-leads the Computing Education Research Lab at MSU.

Intended Audience:
All are Welcome!

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