Alumna and Bedford Society committee member, Pat Doble (BSc Mathematics 1965, Bedford College), shares what motivates her to continue to play such a major part in supporting student learning opportunities and teaching at Royal Holloway and Bedford New College.
Pat Doble pictured front centre at the College's Scholarships Reception
“Growing up with young post war parents and often bereaved grammar school teachers meant hopes for the future were intense,” Pat explains. “Advice was clear, ‘Always try your hardest and use your talents for the people around you.’
"Entering my seventies the message had not dimmed. As a member of the College Council I saw innovation and insight sometimes thwarted by funding. I asked if sponsorship could enable such projects and Professor Mike Spagat came forward with a course to improve understanding and use of statistics, coincidentally the basis of my own career.”
With Pat’s donation, Professor Spagat, Department of Economics, has been able to run the Survival Statistics project, consisting of on campus courses and MOOCs (massive, open online course) which focused on demystifying numbers, revealing the pitfalls and tricks behind the facts, figures and statistics seen in the news, media and of course everyday life.
Pat is delighted with the outcome. “Reports came through of the success of the course on campus and then, in the gloom of the second Covid-19 lock down, the final report arrived. Thousands of people had accessed and positively rated the course on the internet, it could become part of the College’s curriculum and there are still enough funds for a further two, one year, scholarships.
"All my family felt uplifted, uniquely rewarded. I cannot think of a more fitting tribute to those who inspired me.”
Through the generous support that Pat has provided, we have been able to share important research and stimulate innovation in teaching and learning, creating new online content and resources which are ever more valuable in the current ‘virtual’ climate. Professor Spagat has also very much enjoyed the opportunity to be able to deliver such an enriching programme and has plans for future courses.
“This has been my most rewarding teaching experience I’ve had during more than 35 years of teaching.
"More than 4,000 students (so far) have been touched by these courses and the level of engagement I’ve had from hundreds of these students has been extraordinary and inspiring for me and, I hope, many of them.”
Professor Mike Spagat, Department of Economics
Student feedback has indeed been very positive, with many focusing on how the interesting and engaging content opens new horizons to statistics. One student, Karen, commented that is was “An interesting course using basic statistics to help unravel the scary journalistic headlines and understand just how important it is to have all the facts to make an informed judgement. The examples used were topical and quite controversial, adding a further level of meaning and engagement in matching theory with reality. So enjoyable.” Another, Stephane, stated that is was “Different, peculiar but mind blowing. We navigate different statistics concepts smoothly without a formula. Thanks for this innovative approach of this [sic] much complex discipline.”
If you are in a position to support the university, please consider a gift so that other students can benefit from these exceptional learning experiences that aid and enhance their current studies and future career aspirations. You can make a donation online here and for further information, please do not hesitate to contact the development team.
Information about future opportunities to take the Survival Statistics MOOC will be publicised via the College website and social media or you can register your interest and find out more on the Future Learn website.
