Using SSD for R in the classroom: Using the manuscript

About a month and half ago, I told you that we would be road testing a version of our  manuscript for our book with our Master's students this summer.  We thought that, since the summer semester is nearly over (graduation is on Thursday), we'd share with you what we have learned so far this summer.


The manuscript for our book is not at all complete at this point, but we do have a decent draft of six core chapters done.  This is what we have shared with our students.  The first chapter discusses how to quickly and easily import data into R.  The next chapter is an overview of SSD for R and its functionality.  The third chapter discusses how to analyze baseline data with the goal of understanding characteristics of the data.  Chapters 4 and 5 talk about visual and statistical comparisons between phases, and Chapter 6 is about analyzing group data.


But first, a few words about how we have been using our manuscript in class this summer.  We figure this will give you some context about its usage.  Since the manuscript is not complete and in draft-mode, we used the book as a supplement to our main text, Bloom, Fischer, and Orme's EXCELLENT text, Evaluating Practice:  Guidelines for the Accountable Professional.  As we have proceeded through the course, we suggested, but didn't require, students to read various chapters after the material was taught in class in order to provide clarification.

While we have not asked for feedback, one student contacted us earlier this week.  With her permission, we decided to share with you a portion of  Shira Levitt's e-mail:

Hi Professor,

I wanted to work on the final paper at home and was reading the manuscript and it is so well written.  It is clear and concise and truly helpful....I wanted you and Professor Auerbach to know that, as a student who is not good with computers or numbers, this manuscript is phenomenal.

Thank you so much.
Sincerely,
Shira Levitt


Thank you, Shira!

To sum up our feelings about this in a few words - we think we are on to something because this is what we are aiming for!

Come check out our website and, as always, feel free to email us!  We would love to hear from you!