Episode 160: Data Science, Math and Python, Oh My!

In this episode, Kelly Schuster-Paredes speaks with Mahmoud Harding about his work in data science education and the way he thinks about teaching Python, R, and statistics. Mahmoud explains that he is the instructional design director at Data Science for Everyone, where the goal is to make data science available to more students and to connect it to meaningful, real-world contexts.

A major part of the conversation focuses on how students learn best through curiosity and project-based work. Mahmoud describes the ADAPT model, including its emphasis on project-based learning and common learning elements, and he argues that students should begin working with their own data early in a course. Kelly and Mahmoud discuss how choosing their own datasets helps students become more engaged, notice mistakes, and ask better questions.

The discussion also compares R and Python as tools for data science. Mahmoud explains that R was designed by statisticians for statistical analysis, while Python became popular as a general-purpose language that later grew into a strong data science ecosystem through libraries like NumPy and pandas. He also describes Jupyter Everywhere, a browser-based notebook environment designed to reduce barriers for schools and allow students to use R or Python without complicated setup.

Later, the conversation turns to judgment, nuance, and the role of data in learning. Mahmoud argues that students need domain knowledge and human judgment to interpret data responsibly, and that data projects can help them develop those skills. Kelly extends this idea to other subjects, suggesting that books, history, and other classroom materials can also be treated as data for analysis and discussion.

The episode closes with Mahmoud sharing ways to connect with him through Data Science for Everyone and with mention of an upcoming Data Science Education K–12 event in Atlanta in February.

Special Guest: Mahmoud Harding.