S03E10 - Data science needs you! - with Andrea Jones-Rooy
May 22, 2024
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Andrea Jones-Rooy discusses teaching the scientific method, managing uncertainty, and advocating for data literacy. Topics include rebranding 'data science' as 'data thinking', challenges in teaching data science, the impact of AI, and promoting problem-solving skills over technology reliance.
Promoting data literacy is crucial for public involvement in data science through scientific thinking and generative AI impact.
Teaching the scientific method and dealing with uncertainty pose challenges in data education, requiring a shift towards data-centric skills.
Tailoring data science education to diverse knowledge levels emphasizes humility and embracing uncertainty in learning.
Encouraging empirical reasoning guides individuals in addressing global issues, promoting critical thinking and data exploration.
Deep dives
Promoting Worldwide Data Literacy Through Data Thinking
Founder of Data Thinking, Andrea Jones-Roy, discusses the importance of promoting worldwide data literacy and public involvement in data science through concepts like scientific thinking and the impact of generative AI. Emphasizing the need for everyone to engage with data, she advocates for a shift towards critical reasoning and a data-centric approach to decision-making.
Challenges in Teaching Data Science and Uncertainty
Andrea delves into the challenges of teaching people the scientific method and dealing with uncertainty. She explores the impact of generative AI on teaching these topics and addresses whether skills in data thinking should replace traditional data science approaches. The conversation highlights the difficulty in convincing individuals about the significance of embracing these essential skills.
Navigating Different Groups in Data Science Education
Discussing the diverse groups encountered in data science education, Andrea distinguishes between those new to data and those with advanced technical skills. She navigates the challenges faced in teaching approaches tailored to individuals with varying knowledge levels, emphasizing the importance of humility and embracing uncertainty in learning.
Corporate World Expectations vs. Reality in Data Science Training
Andrea reflects on the disconnect between corporate expectations of quick data science training outcomes and the reality of fostering long-term skill development and critical thinking. She sheds light on the need for individuals with domain expertise to drive effective data education initiatives within companies.
The Role of Empirical Thinking in Solving Global Issues
In a broader context, Andrea envisions a world where data-centric reasoning guides individuals in addressing complex global issues. Encouraging a shift towards empirical thinking to evaluate policies and claims objectively, she advocates for a more thoughtful and peaceful approach to handling contentious topics like climate change and gun control.
Empowering Individuals with Scientific Thinking
Andrea's ultimate goal is to empower individuals with scientific thinking tools, allowing them to make well-informed decisions based on empirical evidence. By fostering a culture of critical thinking and data exploration, she aims to reduce conflict and promote rational discourse in tackling societal challenges.
Contact Information and Further Engagement
For more on advocating worldwide data literacy and promoting a culture of critical thinking, individuals can visit DataScienceNeedsYou.com or jonesroy.com. Andrea's insights can also be explored through various social media channels, including YouTube, under the handle J-O-N-E-S-R-O-O-Y.
If you're an aspiring analyst and want to test your existing data skills on real-world problems while learning both new skills and a framework you can apply to any problem, David's book Solve Any Data Analysis Problem is available on the Manning website through the Early Access Program and it's out in print later this year.
In this episode, we welcome back a former guest, Andrea Jones-Rooy, Ph.D.
Andrea is the founder of Data Thinking, an organization dedicated to promoting worldwide data literacy and public involvement in data science. Previously, she was the Director of Undergraduate Studies and Visiting Associate Professor at the NYU Center for Data Science, where she developed and taught their flagship course, Data Science for Everyone, as well as advanced courses on Natural Language Processing. Dr. Jones-Rooy believes everyone has a role to play in data science, and you (yes, you!) can get involved at DataScienceNeedsYou.com!
We spoke to Andrea about how to teach people the scientific method and to deal with uncertainty, the impact of generative AI on teaching these topics, whether these skills should be called "data thinking" instead of "data science", and how you even convince people these are the skills worth learning.
