Thoughts on statistics and teaching

Inaugural lecture--Department of Statistics, Rand Afrikaans University, 28 August 1970Statistics is a science which is predominantly concerned with a study of stochastic or random phenomena. To some extent, practically every branch of scientific method contains a stochastic element. Due to its wide variety of applications, statistics has become a key technology for government, science and business. The lecturer in Statistics must not only teach, but must in addition acquaint himself with the technicalities of practical statistical work and must remain in close contact with the latest developments in his subject. Sound educational policy demands that the teaching staff in Statisfics should devote a great deal of their time to research. Amidst the shortage of statisticians it is of the utmost importance that every effort should be made to relieve the burden of the available lecturers to enable them to comply with all these requirements. It is time that Statistics should be introduced into the high school curriculum and included in a wide variety of university courses