The goal of the VPHI student coaching program is to improve the epidemiological and statistical knowledge and skills of the graduate students we work with. The program is aimed at enhancing the post graduate learning experience so that as students work through their research projects they learn the epidemiology and statistical theory and methods needed to design and conduct research, and to analyze their own research data.
The VPHI recognizes and promotes self-learning as a vital skill required by graduate students, future researchers. The VPHI provides coaching to students through several avenues, but the emphasis in all of them is on learning-by-doing. Students who enter the consulting program are expected to take full responsibility for their own learning and the progress of their research project. They are expected to be self-motivated in their learning especially as it relates to their understanding of their own research and the tools and methods they require to complete it. The VPHI consultants advise the students on the methods to analyze their data and provide teaching lessons, but they do not analyze the data for the students.
The VPHI recognizes the critical importance of the relationship between a supervisor and graduate student for the student learning experience and the success of the graduate student. The VPHI expects that supervisors take an active role in mentoring their students, providing them with the support they need to successfully complete their research, including the statistical analysis of their data. Statistical consulting is most effective if students enter the program at the start of their research project and seek advise already during the planning phase of their project.
For more information please contact: Bernhard Völkl
