Data analysis in school

Schools must embrace data analysis

We live in a world overflowing with data. From tracking the steps we walk each day to global movements shaping economies, data is everywhere. It tells us stories, reveals patterns, and informs decisions. Yet, despite its ubiquity, our schools haven’t embraced teaching data analysis to children. Why is this essential skill—arguably as important as reading and arithmetic—not a core part of the curriculum?

The question is perplexing, especially when you consider that much of basic data analysis is no more complex than connecting dots or Colouring by numbers—things even young kids can enjoy and understand.

THE UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE OF DATA

Think about it: data analysis is essentially storytelling with numbers. Consider a simple bar chart comparing how many apples versus oranges are eaten during lunch breaks. The tallest bar? That’s the plot twist—"Kids love apples more!" It’s intuitive, visual, and fun.

Kids naturally engage with data without even realising it. They might count how many stickers they have or compare their scores on a game leaderboard. These are foundational skills for understanding data, but schools rarely connect these everyday experiences to structured learning.

PRIMARY DATA ANALYSIS: A SKILL FOR ALL AGES

Children encounter data daily—they just don’t call it "data." Take a classroom survey: What’s everyone’s favourite animal? Compile the answers, tally them up, and create a chart. Voilà, we’ve just done data analysis!

Here’s a simple example kids could explore:

• Task: Collect data on classmates' favorite colours.
• Action: Make a colourful bar chart or pie chart.
• Insight: "Blue wins, but red is a close second!"

These are moments of discovery, and they’re magical because they’re powered by curiosity.

Even something as mundane as tracking weekly weather—"How many sunny days versus rainy ones?"—teaches kids to observe, record, and analyse. Data isn’t distant or abstract; it’s happening all around them.

THE BENEFITS OF INTRODUCING DATA ANALYSIS EARLY

Teaching data analysis early does more than build technical skills. It shapes how kids think and interact with the world.

• Critical Thinking: Kids learn to ask meaningful questions like, "Why do most students prefer apples over oranges?"
• Numeracy: Translating numbers into visuals makes maths less intimidating and more engaging.
• Decision-Making: Skills like evaluating patterns and making informed guesses translate into better decision-making.

Imagine a child using these skills to plan the best day for a school picnic by analysing sunny versus rainy days. They aren’t just playing; they’re becoming problem-solvers.

CHALLENGES IN THE CURRENT EDUCATION SYSTEM

If data analysis is so simple and valuable, why isn’t it taught widely? The reasons are surprisingly systemic:

• Education still focuses on theoretical concepts over practical applications.
• There’s a misconception that data analysis requires advanced mathematical knowledge.
• Curriculums tend to lag behind real-world needs.

This leaves children underprepared for a world where data literacy is essential for even the most basic decisions.

COUNTERARGUMENT: IT’S EASIER THAN IT SEEMS

Critics might argue, “Isn’t data analysis too complicated for kids?” The answer is a resounding no.

The simplest data analysis involves three basic steps:

• Collecting: Gather data, like counting how many cars pass a school gate in 10 minutes.
• Visualising: Turn the numbers into a graph or chart.
• Interpreting: Ask, "What do the numbers show us?"

Interactive tools like Google Sheets or educational apps make these steps engaging and accessible. A child can create their first pie chart within minutes—and feel like a scientist in the making.

GLOBAL TRENDS: WHO’S GETTING IT RIGHT?

Some schools and countries are already reaping the benefits of integrating data literacy into classrooms.

• Finland emphasises project-based learning, where students analyse local environmental data.
• Singapore incorporates real-world data into maths problems, like charting rainfall trends.

In these classrooms, data isn’t just a subject—it’s a tool to explore the world.

What if we could reimagine how data is taught?

Instead of isolating it as a niche subject, let’s integrate it into everyday lessons:

Science: Measure plant growth rates and chart them over weeks.

Social Studies: Compare population statistics across countries using bar graphs.

Maths: Teach fractions using pie charts of classroom survey results.

Project-based learning could make data analysis a fun, collaborative adventure.

It’s time to stop treating data literacy as an optional skill and start recognizing it as foundational for the 21st century. Parents, teachers, and policymakers must advocate for change. Imagine a generation of children who can confidently decode the world around them through data.

PLANTING THE SEEDS OF DATA LITERACY

The journey towards incorporating data analysis in schools does not have to be daunting. By starting simple and connecting concepts to everyday experiences, we can equip children with the tools they need to thrive in a data-driven future.

It’s not just about numbers; it’s about empowering kids to see, understand, and shape the stories behind them. And what better way to prepare the next generation for tomorrow’s challenges than by planting these seeds today?

[Mahmudur R Manna is a technology leader for Southeast Asia at a global technology company with over 20 years of experience and specialises in driving innovation and growth in the technology sector]