Sustainable Development Goals
Abstract/Objectives
This course is a general education course titled "Systems Thinking and Applied Statistics," where systems thinking represents ideology and statistics applied represents methodology. The two key factors influencing any decision are the thoughts of the decision-maker and the analytical methods used. "Systems thinking" emphasizes positive thinking such as "Think Big," which is an effective learning mindset that starts with the end in mind and enriches life's perspectives. Statistics forms the foundation for any data analysis, including artificial intelligence (AI). Statistics is considered challenging by students in the statistics department, including topics such as causality, insufficient probability theory, estimation and hypothesis testing, regression, and experimental design. Professor Song employs creative, interesting, and effective teaching methods, allowing students to experience statistical data and formulas practically. Students who have taken this course have commented that it was enlightening, easy to learn, and memorable for a lifetime. Many students who have taken other statistics courses express a desire for their previous instructors to teach like Professor Sang, highlighting the effectiveness of his teaching approach. This general education course welcomes students from various academic disciplines including liberal arts, science, engineering, and business. Undergraduate students (from freshman to senior year) and graduate students are all welcome to participate. Students from the humanities find the course challenging, while those from the sciences find it substantial. This course is unprecedented in the general education curriculum at National Tsing Hua University, and I believe it is also unprecedented in general education courses at other universities. Professor Song once taught university professors how to teach statistics at Feng Chia University, as seen in the following photograph (where they are holding a statistics book written by Wheyming Song.)
Results/Contributions

In terms of ideation:

 

·        Guiding students towards systems thinking rather than detailed thinking.

·        Encouraging students to understand concepts holistically rather than rote memorization.

·        Guiding students to adopt an effective "begin with the end in mind" approach, setting goals first and then determining the most suitable solutions (or data analysis methods).


In terms of methodology (particularly focusing on statistical applications):

·        Enabling students to effortlessly grasp and retain statistical concepts for a lifetime, including issues like insufficient causal reasoning and the rise of probability theory.

·        Understanding random variable transformations as functions of samples; representing truth with probability models; statistical   inference encompassing estimation, hypothesis testing, control charts, regression, and experimental design.

 

The course incorporates hands-on computer implementation (using software such as MS Excel, Minitab, Flexsim, etc.) to allow students to simulate statistical concepts and formulas in practice. Students no longer fear statistics but can apply statistical concepts to life and work, ultimately enhancing their quality of life, achieving systems thinking, and thinking big.

Keywords
1. Systems thinking: 2. Think big 3. Begin with the end 4. Statistics applications: 5. Insufficiency of causal theory, so rise of probability theory 6. Representing truth with a probabilistic model 7. Estimation and testing hypothesis 8. Regression and experimental design
Contact Information
桑慧敏教授 1.現職:逢甲大學資電學院講座教授 2.舊職: 清華大學工業工程系特聘教授
wheyming_song@yahoo.com,wheymingsong@gmail.com