REAL WORLD, REAL STORIES: TEACHING QUANTITATIVE METHODS WITH REAL LIFE DATA

Recent work has shown that using real-life, regularly updated data to teach econometrics and related social science statistical skills has a number of benefits over using fictional or pre-configured datasets that have been developed purely for specific learning activities. The use of actual data adds interest and relevance to courses, helps to prepare students for using statistics in the real world and allows them to explore recent events.

Based on case studies collected through the “Real World: Real Data: Real Stories project”, ESDS International at Mimas has developed the multimedia, Teaching Tools e-learning resource. This web-based resource is designed for social science lecturers who are using, or plan to use, real data for the first time in their teaching. It is intended to support and encourage lecturers' use of real world data in their courses - by presenting examples of how this is already done and hearing actual lecturers speak about their experience of using this type of 'messy' real-world data in their teaching.

Mimas, a National Centre of Excellence based at the University of Manchester is home to ESDS International. Part of the wider Economic and Social Data Service, ESDS International provides the UK further and higher education communities with free access to and support for a huge range of socio-economic international data. The Teaching tools e-learning resource is part of our wider engagement with the statistical literacy agenda and our work to build skills around the use of real world data in research-led teaching.
In this paper we discuss the development of the Teaching tools resource and its impact since its launch in October 2010. We also highlight some of the challenges of using real world data in teaching that remain ahead.