Thinking Critically with Data

Course materials are all online and provided by eNetLearning and can be downloaded to participants' computers.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Thinking Critically with Data is an interactive e-learning course that examines critical thinking with a focus on data analysis in our information-rich world. In this course, teachers explore practical skills and strategies to draw on when teaching students to think critically about the information around them. Teachers will understand how to design student projects and assessments that address critical thinking skills when collecting and analyzing data. Additionally, they will see how technology can support students collection, organization, and presentation of data. The course also offers practical tips for implementing projects that ask students to think critically with data.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Explain how thinking critically about data spans all subject areas.
• Evaluate examples of critical thinking with data using the Data Project Process.
• Investigate projects that focus on thinking critically with data.
• Review standards and objectives related to thinking about and with data.
• Evaluate data resources, including online primary sources and data sets.
• Apply the appropriate skills and attitudes students need for collecting data.
• Explore critical thinking skills students need to analyze information quality, patterns, and relationships.
• Identify effective ways for students to share the results of data gathering and analysis.
• Explore tools that support the collection, organization, and analysis of data.
• Use best practices for displaying information graphically.
• Create graphs and charts for data presentation, and recognize misrepresented data.
• Use instructional strategies and tools for helping students think critically.
• Explore tools and resources to help manage projects in which students use data.
• Review tips and resources for organizing data collection experiences outside the classroom.
• Create an action plan that incorporates projects and activities where Thinking Critically with data tools can be used in the classroom
• Design student projects and assessments from action plan that address critical thinking skills

TEXTS, READINGS, INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES:

Course materials will be provided via eNetlearning and the on-line course module. See http://online.enetlearning.org/

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

1. In class activities:
   1. Attend opening class session and participate in class discussions, projects, and activities.
2. Online activities: Each student will complete the following:
   1. Assigned readings and research on resources
   2. Complete all Modules and Lessons
   3. Participate on all on-line Discussion Groups for each module
   4. Completed Collaboration Action Plan
   5. Participate in final sharing session

GRADE DISTRIBUTION AND SCALE:
In order to receive credit for the course, participants must attend and actively participate in all class sessions unless alternative arrangements are approved in advance.

Assignments need to be completed by the due date assigned by the instructor.

1. In class activities:
   1. Attend opening class session and participate in class discussions, projects, and activities.
2. Online activities: Each student will complete the following:
   1. Assigned readings and research on resources
   2. Complete all Modules and Lessons
   3. Participate on all on-line Discussion Groups for each module
   4. Complete Thinking Critically with Data Action Plan
   5. Participate in final sharing session

GRADE DISTRIBUTION AND SCALE:

Grade Distribution:
Attendance at face-to-face session 10%
Participation in online discussions 30%
Action Plan Completion 50%
Showcase Session 10%

Grade Scale:
93-100% A
85-92% B
80-84% C
Graduate level course requires an 80% to pass

CLASS SCHEDULE:
This "blended-learning" course will include at least 6 hours of face-to-face and/or on-line web conferencing components and an on-line facilitated course that will include 30 hours of interactive tutorials, exercises, individual work, and facilitated discussions and will take place over a 6-8 week period.

Activities Timeline

Week One: Orientation
Overview of course requirements and resources

1. Face to face and/or synchronous web-conferencing
2. Introduction to on-line course delivery application
3. Getting To Know You Discussion Forum
4. Begin Module 1: Information in Society and the Classroom

Week Two: Module 1: Information in Society and the Classroom

Module 1 introduces critical thinking skills needed to interpret and use information effectively. This module provides examples of critical thinking in all subject areas and projects that incorporate many forms of data analysis.

Outcomes
• Understand the importance of thinking critically about information in contemporary society.
• Examine how thinking critically about data spans all subject areas.
• Explore examples of critical thinking with data using the Data Project Process.

Lessons
• Lesson 1: Critical Thinking in the Digital Age
• Lesson 2: Critical Thinking about Data
• Lesson 3: Data Projects
• Lesson 4: Module Review

Week Three: Module 2: Project Design for Critical Thinking

Module 2 guides teachers through the process of designing a unit that engages students in thinking critically with data as they learn subject-area content. Teachers see examples of projects and explore ways to incorporate standards and assessments for critical thinking skills.

Outcomes
• Investigate projects that focus on thinking critically with data.
• Review standards and objectives related to thinking about and with data.
• Understand the assessment of critical thinking skills.
• Explore data resources, including online primary sources and data sets.

Lessons
• Lesson 1: Types of Projects
• Lesson 2: Learning Goals
• Lesson 3: Critical Thinking Assessment
• Lesson 4: Data Sources
• Lesson 5: Module Review

Week Four: Module 3: Skills for Thinking Critically with Data

In Module 3, teachers learn the essential critical thinking skills and attitudes necessary for students to be successful in projects involving the collection, analysis, and use of data to support conclusions and share findings. They also review the necessary components for fair and accurate visual representations of data.

Outcomes
Learn the appropriate skills and attitudes students need for collecting data.
Explore critical thinking skills students need to analyze information quality, patterns, and relationships.
Understand the process of drawing conclusions from data and recognize common errors of data interpretation.
Identify effective ways for students to share the results of data gathering and analysis.

Lessons
• Lesson 1: Data Collection
• Lesson 2: Data Analysis
• Lesson 3: Conclusions
• Lesson 4: Research Outcomes
• Lesson 5: Module Review

Week Five: Module 4: Tools for Effective Data Analysis

Module 4 explores how technology supports visual displays of data to clarify ideas, analyze patterns and relationships, and present information. In this module, teachers learn about common errors made when displaying data and how data can be misrepresented visually. They also learn how to develop and evaluate an evidence-based argument in a visual representation.

Outcomes
Explore tools that support the collection, organization, and analysis of data.
Learn best practices for displaying information graphically.
Learn how to create graphs and charts for data presentation, and recognize misrepresented data.
Understand how to use data with RankForce to present and evaluate an argument.

Lessons
• Lesson 1: Data Organization with Technology
• Lesson 2: Visual Presentation of Data
• Lesson 3: Results with Technology
• Lesson 4: Showing Evidence
• Lesson 5: Module Review

Week Six: Module 5: Critical Thinking and Instruction

Module 5 introduces the methods and tools that teachers can use for instruction in critical thinking about data. Teachers also learn strategies for helping students be successful at collecting data outside the classroom.

Outcomes
Learn instructional strategies and tools for helping students think critically.
Explore tools and resources to help manage projects in which students use data.
Learn how to create graphs and charts for data presentation, and recognize misrepresented data.
Review tips and resources for organizing data collection experiences outside the classroom.

Lessons
• Lesson 1: Critical Thinking Skills Instruction
• Lesson 2: Management of Projects with Data
• Lesson 3: Data Collection in the Field
• Lesson 4: Module Review

Week Six:

• Make-up
• Final submission of completed Action Plan
• Final evaluation and wrap-up activities