ODT headlines hit new lows. Stats on the up though.
The ODT managed to title a story about a University of Otago statistics lecturer being elected the head of the International Association for Statistical Education with the unbelievably stupid headline, “New President knows statistics”. Did they think it was a possibility that he wouldn’t?
The terrible title somewhat detracted from the otherwise laudable achievement of Otago staff member John Harraway being elected to the prestigious position at the head of the international body. Harraway, a senior lecturer in the mathematics and statistics department at Otago, will head the 400-member strong organisation, whose main function is to promote, support and improve statistical education throughout the world. New Zealand is regarded as a world leader in the development of statistics curricula and software in schools.
Last year Harraway received a University of Otago award for teaching excellence.