UndergradSkiller: Skill Set Map for Undergraduates and Their Educators

CRITICAL THINKING AND PROBLEM-SOLVING: Data Literacy

Understanding Data

Before working with data, students need to understand what data literacy means, how to read visual representations of data, and how numerical information is presented and interpreted.

Useful Resources on Understanding Data:

Frank, M., Walker, J., Attard, J., & Tygel, A. (2016). Data literacy: What is it and how can we make it happen? The Journal of Community Informatics, 12(3). https://doi.org/10.15353/joci.v12i3.3274

Annotation: Article exploring the concept of data literacy, including what it means, why it matters, and how it can be developed. Discusses data literacy from multiple perspectives including education, open data, and community engagement. A conceptual introduction for students who need to understand the broader significance of working with data before engaging with technical skills.

NTK. (2026, February 12). Reading for writing. https://www.techlib.cz/en/85142-reading-for-writing#tab_tab4

Annotation: Extensive guide covering how to read graphs, tables, and statistics. Includes guidance on using AI tools for summaries, or different kinds of reading, such as active reading, or critical reading.

The Learning Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. (n.d.). Understanding diagrams and graphs. https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/understanding-diagrams-and-graphs

Annotation: Handout outlining how to read and interpret diagrams and graphs. Covers what to look for (captions, labels, directionality, trends), includes two practice examples with guided questions, and offers strategies for using visual aids as a study tool.

The Open University. (2019, June 21). Presenting information. https://www.open.edu/openlearn/digital-computing/presenting-information

Annotation: Short course on using tables, charts, and percentages to represent and interpret numerical information. Covers basic calculator operations, reading tables, working with percentages, rounding, and interpreting bar charts.

Peer Review: None

Table of contents:

3.1. Critical Thinking
3.1.1. Introductions to Critical Thinking
3.1.2. Developing Thinking Skills

3.2. Critical Reading and Analysis

3.3. Analysis and Argumentation

3.4. Critical Reasoning

3.5. Synthesis

3.6. Problem-Solving and Design Thinking
3.6.1. Problem-Solving
3.6.2. Design Thinking

3.7. Research Methods
3.7.1. Research Design
3.7.2. Research Ethics

3.8. Data Literacy

3.8.1. Understanding Data

3.8.2. Computational Thinking
3.8.3. Statistical and Numerical Analysis

3.9. Curiosity and Creative Thinking
3.9.1. Creative Exercises
3.9.2. Understanding Curiosity

 

Author: Leeanne Irwin

Peer Reviewer(s): None