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Stats Stack

Collaborators

This project was done in collaboration with the Faculty of Dentistry, National University of Singapore.

Overview

An online biostatistics quiz complementing a real-world game for learning biostatistics.

Background

Biostatistics classes are typically conducted through lectures with exercises that promote rote-learning, resulting in a lack of understanding of statistical methods. Students end up losing interest in the subject and often find it a chore rather than a core competency to be mastered during their course of study. A shallow understanding in their early years of study may further affect understanding in advanced statistics classes, potentially also propagating through to future practice and research. There needs to be an innovative approach in teaching statistics to facilitate better student learning of this subject.

Key Problem(s)

The foundation of Evidence-based Dentistry found out that Medical/Dental students generally dislike Biostatistics. As the curriculum in NUS is compact, students may prioritize other modules they deem more important which as a result affects their overall understanding of biostatistics.

Objective

Stats Stack aims to address problems and challenges in learning and teaching biostatistics in the Faculty of Dentistry by introducing an element of fun while learning through a physical game combined with an online quiz tool.

Solution

Stats Stack combines a physical game board and game pieces with an online quiz tool that facilitates gameplay and monitors students' progress as they answer questions on the tool. Unique and colorful game pieces are 3D printed for the purposes of the game, combining common tools used by dentists to capture the attention of students. A simplistic game concept is introduced while keeping quiz questions a core component to testing students' understanding to not detract from the overall purpose of enhancing learning.