Teaching

I have been teaching Data Analytics modules in various forms for the past five years. I started teaching class using R, because it was what I knew and what I used in my work. But over the years, I have spent a lot of time thinking about what software to teach. I have given thought to replacing R with Stata, Python, Julia or SPSS. While I discuss software in the context of teaching data analytics, the broad principles that guided my decision apply for classes in other disciplines that require software, for example the software you might use to teach architectural design, video production, or game design.

Summary The Craft of College Teaching is primarily a guide for college teachers reviewing various aspects of college teaching and going over best practices in each of these aspects. I first became aware of the book while reading Ultralearning (my review), which I was reading more for personal enjoyment than as part of an effort of reflection on my teaching practice. However, it sparked my interest in reading more on pedagogy and The Craft of College Teaching made it’s way on top of the list of books that I drafted (more on the other books on this list below).

I recently finished teaching three MSc classes online. Here is what I learned. First, online can be as good as in person, and better in some cases. Second, getting there is challenging and it is to be expected that one does not achieve full proficiency on one’s first try. One of the main criticisms of online learning I have heard is the fact that students prefer in-person classes, and so do faculty.

Undergraduate research methods class at UCL

Organizational Design for MSc students at UCL

Social Network Analyses for MSc students at UCL