Educational Subcommittee
Mission Statement
The Education Subcommittee of QSN is steadfast in its commitment to nurturing a culture of excellence and innovation in data science. Our mission transcends the mere dissemination of technical knowledge; we aim to holistically enhance the professional capabilities of our members. By alternating our focus between technical prowess and the often-overlooked but equally vital soft skills, we strive to cultivate well-rounded experts who are not only adept at statistical analysis but also excel in communication, leadership, and collaboration within their respective roles.
Strategic Goals
Balanced Educational Offerings
Objective:
Deliver a balanced schedule of educational events that alternate between technical skill enhancement and the development of soft skills, with an emphasis on the latter.
Strategies:
Design a diverse annual calendar that intersperses technical workshops with sessions focused on interpersonal skills, effective communication, and leadership in the context of collaborative biostatistical work.
Prioritize soft skills development, recognizing its critical role in the team science environment. These skills are critical for career advancement, impacting team dynamics, and the successful application of technical expertise.
Engaging Pedagogical Methods
Objective:
Utilize engaging teaching methods that not only convey technical information but also foster soft skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability.
Strategies:
Incorporate interactive scenarios and role-playing exercises that simulate real-world challenges, requiring members to apply both technical knowledge and soft skills.
Emphasize the importance of soft skills through dedicated sessions led by experts in organizational behavior and professional development.
Practical Resources and Strategies
Objective:
Provide members with practical tools and strategies for both technical applications and the enhancement of soft skills, ensuring they can implement what they learn effectively.
Strategies:
Develop comprehensive resources that include guidelines for technical processes as well as tips for improving communication, negotiation, and project management abilities.
Facilitate discussion groups where more experienced members can share insights on integrating soft skills into their analytical roles.
Development of a Specialized Podcast
Objective:
Create a specialized podcast that focuses on the development of soft skills in the context of biostatistical work.
Strategies:
Research and identify relevant topics related to soft skills development in the field of biostatistics.
Project Accomplishments
November Webinar Success
- Attendance: 90 participants
- Engagement: Majority stayed for interest group breakout sessions
- Feedback: Positive results from follow-up survey (n=28), with most in the “Strongly Agree” category regarding usefulness, engagement, and relevance
- Future Involvement: Notable interest from respondents in deeper future engagement
Q2 Webinar Planning
- Tentative Date: Friday, March 8 @ 9am PT/12pm ET
- Focus: Key elements of successful collaboration among biostatisticians
- Format: Panel discussion on collaborative skill-building, problem-solving, and current research
- Leadership: Expert moderator confirmed, with Mary and Kevin as facilitators
Educational Podcast Development
- Status: First episode produced, pending administrative review and approval
- Strategy: Post-approval, initiate production of additional episodes
- Network Utilization: Leverage QS2N2 network to enhance distribution and identify new content opportunities