Peter Holmes Prize Announcement 2021

Abstract

The article entitled “Discovering experimental design: An interactive teaching exercise using Fisher’s tea-tasting experiment” by Thomas Fanshawe has been awarded the Peter Holmes prize for 2021. The aim of this prize is to highlight excellence in motivating practical classroom activity. This article describes using a classic experiment in an active learning, student discovery preliminary to experimental design in an introductory medical statistics module whose aim is for students to gain an understanding of statistics applied to biomedical science. It is written extremely clearly but succinctly, with pleasing historical context and details invaluable to anyone using a student discovery approach in a time-poor course in another discipline, especially professional disciplines with students demanding usefulness and engagement but also efficient use of time. The summary of student group designs, of small but important changes made based on student feedback, and practical tips for consistency in teaching approaches are as helpful as they are clear. The author’s comments such as “The diverging opinions that arose over design choices were a microcosm of discussions that arise when designing real-life experimental studies” are both interesting and useful. This concise but well-planned learning experience provided a useful foundation for a later class dedicated to medical study design, and opportunities to learn points relating to the connection between design and analysis. However the exercise is readily amenable to adaptation for students at different levels of education and ability. Overall, this article embodies the aim and spirit of the Peter Holmes prize in an excellent demonstration of a practical and fun classroom activity, embodying authentic student discovery practice within a design environment. Congratulations to the author for this excellent paper. 1 | HISTORY OF THE PRIZE