Reading the Evidence: Interpreting Data in Educational Contexts

Description

This module develops students’ confidence and competence in interpreting and communicating educational assessment data. Focusing on foundational data literacy, the course introduces key statistical concepts such as measures of central tendency, variability, and standardised score types, including raw scores, percentiles, and z-scores. Students will engage with data visualisation strategies to support clear and meaningful reporting in schools, tertiary institutions, and across educational systems. Emphasis is placed on using data to inform teaching, support learning, and drive decision-making-particularly within the Aotearoa New Zealand context. Students will also critically evaluate the interpretation of standardised test reports, including tools such as PATs and NCEA data summaries, and consider how assessment data reflects patterns of student performance over time. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to think critically about the limitations of quantitative data and the value of mixed-methods insights, while reflecting on the ethical and practical dimensions of educational evidence use. By the end of the module, students will be able to interpret assessment data with precision, communicate findings effectively, and apply their skills to support evidence-informed educational practice.