What do the Data Say? A Case Study with Pre-Service Teachers

Abstract

Data literacy, which is considered among 21st century skills, is becoming increasingly important. In particular, incentives for data-driven decision-making draw attention to data literacy. Data literacy is also critical for teachers who need to use data in educational settings. Therefore, there is a need for data on whether teachers are equipped with data literacy competencies before their service. In this study, pre-service teachers’ data literacy competencies were examined. The case study approach was used in the study, which was conducted as qualitative research. The study group consisted of 61 pre-service teachers studying in three different undergraduate programs. Data were collected through the “What do the data say?” activity instrument. Rubrics were used to analyze the data. The findings of the study showed that while there was no difference in terms of using data and data communication, there was a statistically significant difference between the programs in terms of data recognition, comparing data and establishing relationships between data competencies, as well as total data literacy. In addition, it was found that the majority of pre-service teachers were partially inadequate or inadequate in terms of using data, data communication and total data literacy. Nearly half of them were partially inadequate or inadequate in comparing data and establishing relationships between data. The results indicated that pre-service teachers have certain deficiencies regarding data literacy.