Elevating Rapid Learners' Skills through WiDS Datathon Participation

Abstract

In this paper, we explore the integration of the Women in Data Science (WiDS) Challenge into an Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA) course as a strategic approach to elevate the skills of rapid learners. The WiDS Challenge, a globally recognized data science competition, provides students with a unique opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems in a collaborative and competitive environment. The WiDS Datathon offers a real-world data science global challenge that allows students to apply EDA techniques in a practical, competitive setting. Data science is crucial in education. A course on this subject aids student in comprehending data, performing analysis, building models, and drawing inferences from results. These skills are applicable in real-world scenarios such as healthcare, climate change, agriculture, and finance. By embedding the challenge within the EDA curriculum, students are exposed to hands-on data analysis, model development, and problem-solving exercises that reinforce classroom concepts. The approach fosters rapid skill development, critical thinking, and teamwork, while also promoting diversity and inclusion in the field of data science. The results indicate that the Datathon significantly boosts rapid learners' analytical capabilities and practical knowledge, demonstrating its value as an effective and engaging pedagogical tool for advanced EDA students. This study underscores the potential of project-based learning in enhancing the educational experience and preparing students for real-world data challenges. Students earned the credits because it was integrated into the course, which contributed to the teams' strong performance. As a result, the top three teams from our university improved their global rankings to 10th, 14th, and 47th, respectively, compared to the previous year.