Readout: Active Learning and Formative Assessment for Data Literacy

No matter their major, in today's world we want our students to be able to follow the data, dig into data, and make data-driven decisions. But a lot of the "data" we hear constantly referenced in society is misunderstood or used misleadingly. How can we equip our students to speak the language of data fluently and accurately? This workshop will orient instructors to the concepts of data literacy, focusing on pedagogical applications. The presenters will outline the range of learning outcomes most relevant to undergraduate students in the majority of academic disciplines and with continuing relevance for their future lives as informed consumers and responsible citizens. Workshop participants will engage with examples of active learning assignments and formative assessments designed to develop key skills such as distinguishing data types, exploring datasets using visualization, avoiding common mistakes and inadvertent bias, and critically evaluating claims based on data. Adaptation to different classroom settings will be considered (e.g. general education courses, disciplinary methods courses). Resources for further learning and professional development will be shared, along with information about USU Library services and support for research data services. Participants are encouraged to bring laptops; no installation of special software will be necessary.