We could easily spend years talking about all the possible problems with data, but that's not particularly helpful when you have a dataset, or someone else's analysis, in front of you here and now. So what are some simple questions you can ask about quantitative data to figure out whether you can trust it or not?
Author: Dr Linda McIver
Dr Linda McIver pioneered authentic Data Science and Computational Science education with real impact for secondary students and founded the Australian Data Science Education Institute in 2018. Author of Raising Heretics: Teaching Kids to Change the World, Linda is an inspiring keynote speaker who has appeared on the ABC’s panel program Q&A, and regularly delivers engaging Professional Development for Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Educators across all disciplines. A passionate educator, researcher and advocate for STEM, equity and inclusion, with a PhD in Computer Science Education and extensive teaching experience, Linda’s mission is to ensure that all Australian students have the opportunity to learn STEM and Data Science skills in the context of projects that empower them to solve problems and make a positive difference to the world.
Rule me out
I get that we can't go questioning all the rules all of the time, because we'd never get anything done. But if there is something that would make your life easier, healthier, or more fun, and it wouldn't harm anyone, but it's "not the done thing", maybe ask yourself whether you could make it the done thing, simply by doing it!
What really matters
When I founded the Australian Data Science Education Institute in 2018, I was really excited about using authentic datasets and meaningful problems to engage kids with STEM skills, particularly programming. The deeper I go into this work, though, the more I realise that the value of meaningful problems and real datasets is not that it… Continue reading What really matters
How rank are rankings?
Which students would you choose to have with you in a crisis? Students with a high ATAR, or students who showed compassion, creativity, and problem solving skills? Students who are good at sitting exams, or students who show determination, persistence, and integrity? Some of the best people I know never finished school at all.
You keep using that word…
The way we define the data we measure can completely change the results that we get.