From Coursera to Dataquest: Andrea's Journey Towards Active Learning

Andrea Knies, Doctorate in Health Science

With a background in Psychology and Health Sciences, Andrea embarked on her Dataquest journey without any prior coding experience. Intrigued by the power of coding in data analysis, she leveraged her knowledge of statistics and past exposure to data cleaning from her academic studies and set out a new skill through Dataquest.

Choosing Dataquest over Coursera

“I had initially been learning on Coursera, but it was a passive experience and the depth of content was lacking,” Andrea recalls. She soon discovered that Dataquest offered a more active learning approach and easier digestible content. “Dataquest breaks down complex content into understandable pieces, and the concepts are explained comprehensibly,” she shares.

Learning experience at Dataquest

Navigating through the Data Analyst path in R was a rollercoaster ride for Andrea. “Dataquest is not about easy learning – it requires dedication and commitment,” Andrea admits. She also found the Dataquest community to be a valuable resource, providing support when she encountered challenges. She further adds, “The breadth and depth of the content that Dataquest offers encouraged me to apply and transfer what I had learned.”

Andrea’s Learning Secret

To retain the wealth of information she was learning, Andrea adopted a unique strategy. “I created flashcards for all the content I learned and reviewed them daily, even on weekends,” she says. She found that handwriting the answers to code and problem cards, based on research indicating that handwriting enhances learning and memory, was particularly effective. Although she is halfway through the Data Analyst path and hasn’t yet applied her skills professionally, Andrea’s dedication and perseverance are evident in her learning process and progress.

Advice to Dataquest Learners

Andrea recommends Dataquest to other learners, but she cautions, “The tagline ‘no coding or data experience needed’ doesn’t mean the journey will be a breeze.” She advises prospective learners to be ready to invest extra time and effort to understand the content. “Regular review of the material is key to success,” she emphasizes.

Conclusion

Andrea’s journey so far with Dataquest is a testament to the power of active learning and the personal growth that comes with dedication and hard work. She is proud of her progress and continues to forge ahead in her journey. Reflecting on her experience, Andrea concludes, “Invest extra time and effort, and be ready for moments of frustration. But remember, don’t back down!” Her story serves as an inspiration to all those looking to embark on a similar path.