An outcome-based statistical capacity development programme to support research at a university

Abstract

This paper addresses a critical component of the infrastructure necessary for professional development toward more effective teaching and learning of research and statistical methods. In particular, an interdisciplinary in-service model is proposed, which has the potential to better prepare educators to address institution-specific needs amidst dwindling resources. In particular, we present an outcome-based model for developing statistical capacity in research in response to the need for training statisticians in the academia. The aim of the programme was to equip selected faculty with the competencies needed to provide various forms of statistical support services in line with the research, extension, and publication mandate of a large private university in the Philippines. The programme was administered in three phases: (1) training phase, (2) statistical consulting and mentoring phase, and (3) "cascading or extension" phase. Evaluation of the outcome involves participants' demonstration of learning in various statistical methods through serving as resource persons during the cascading activity and the documentation of the statistical consulting experiences made during the programme.