Teaching is a vocation that I undertake with full enthusiasm. It allows me to constantly update and share my knowledge of statistics. One of my goals as a teacher is to ease the assimilation of statistical science by explaining the intuition behind the mathematical expressions and symbols thereby breeding confidence in my students. To achieve this, I use illustrations from current affairs that are familiar yet sensitive to the diversity of my audience. My exercises are usually tailored to interrogate beliefs and motivate critical thinking. For example, in my undergraduate classes, I have used questions about the detriments of brutal protests and the extinction of rhinos. Another teaching goal that I hold dear, is the responsibility to instill discipline and prepare my students for the challenges of the global labour market. I sometimes organise free and voluntary additional lessons for my students outside official school hours in order to demonstrate that success sometimes require sacrifice. I also incorporate computational components in my lectures and my assessments to match the technological evolution of the modern era. Above all, I lead by example of being punctual, prepared and respectful as I seek to empower my students to unlock their full potential and be at peace with the world around them.
After the conclusion of every subject at Stellenbosch University, students are advised to provide anonymous feedback about their experience with respect to the subject and the lecturer. A copy of the most recent feedback received for the second-year mathematical statistics course (MS214) may be accessed with this link. Some of the positive comments from previous years include: (a.) "Mr Hassan is the most enthusiastic lecturer I have encountered at university. I have thoroughly enjoyed his energy and the passion that he has for statistics". (b.) "Feedback from the weekly tut tests was a great way to learn and improve". (c.) "Mr Hassan is also very patient when answering questions after class and during the tutorials".
A significant part of my teaching load at Stellenbosch University is dedicated to elective statistics-related subjects for first-year students. In an uncommon feat for lecturers of elective subjects, the students have nominated me for 3 of 4 possible annual teaching award. Some anonymous feedback about my teaching are available in my 2025 ROCTAS award letter.
2022: Theory of Interest 152 (SU): "You are committed to ensuring that all students maximise their full potential. You went beyond the call of duty with your comprehensive slides. Your work ethic is second to none. Thanks to you, every student had the opportunity to excel". Student ID: 26498065. [Access full letter here]
2022: Statistics and Data Science 188 (SU): "Thank you very much for making the course much easier. I enjoy every moment of your lecture as well as your marvelous sense of humour. You are always very kind, patient, helpful, and truly care about your profession and your students!". Student ID: 26612089.
2021: Statistics and Data Science 188 (SU): "Thank you for always putting the needs of the students first and for always trying to help as far as you possibly could. Thank you for making sure that we were in the best possible position to do well in our tests and exams and for always being approachable". Student ID: 24359912. [Access full letter here]
[1.] Sadiq, H. and Louw, S. 2021. "Improving Statistical Education Performance Through Facilitated e-tivity": Poster presentation that was completed as part of the requirements of a professional educational development course. [Access poster here]
2021: Professional Educational Development of Academics Certificate
Centre for Traching and Learning, Stellenbosch University, South Africa.
2025: Recognition of Contributions Towards Academic Success
Centre for Teaching & Learning, Stellenbosch University, South Africa.
2022 & 2023: First-Year Achievement Awards (Lecturer Category)
Centre for Teaching & Learning, Stellenbosch University, South Africa.
2024 - Mathematical Statistics 214 (SU): Access links to lecture slides that contain sample questions for topics such as (a.) Sampling Distribution, (b.) Estimation and (c.) Hypothesis Testing. The prescribed textbook for the course is "Wackerly, D. D., Mendenhall III, W. and Schaffer, R., L. (2008). Mathematical Statistics with Applications (7e). CENGAGE Learning."