I saw Allen Downey speak about this concept a year ago in a small forum at the University of Richmond. Several professors in the audience challenged his thinking. I approached one after that and asked what he thought and the answer was basically that Dr. Downey's approach is spot on. This coming from a CS professor.
I have just started reading his Think Stats book http://www.allendowney.com/wp/books/ which is starting to help me better understand statistics. Not far enough into the book yet to make a complete judgement however.
Got to say I like seeing different perspectives on traditional subjects. My youngest is going to Olin next year in Mechanical Engineering and seeing these sorts of articles keeps me excited about her unconventional engineering education at Olin.
I don't quite understand your comment. If the professor you spoke with said "Dr. Downey's approach is spot on" then why would said professor "challenge [Dr. Downey's] thinking"
I have just started reading his Think Stats book http://www.allendowney.com/wp/books/ which is starting to help me better understand statistics. Not far enough into the book yet to make a complete judgement however.
Got to say I like seeing different perspectives on traditional subjects. My youngest is going to Olin next year in Mechanical Engineering and seeing these sorts of articles keeps me excited about her unconventional engineering education at Olin.