How can you encourage statistical literacy in your organization or community?

1 Start with the why

Before you dive into the details of statistics, explain why they matter and how they relate to the goals, values, and needs of your audience. Show them how statistics can help them answer relevant questions, solve real-world problems, or improve their performance or outcomes. Use examples, stories, or scenarios that illustrate the benefits and applications of statistics in their context. Make it clear that statistics are not just numbers, but tools for understanding and improving the world.

2 Simplify and visualize

Statistics can be intimidating or confusing for some people, especially if they involve complex calculations, formulas, or jargon. To make statistics more accessible and engaging, simplify and visualize them as much as possible. Use plain language, analogies, or metaphors to explain key concepts or terms. Use charts, graphs, maps, or diagrams to display data and statistics in a clear and attractive way. Highlight the main points, trends, or patterns, and avoid cluttering or overwhelming your audience with too much information.

3 Encourage interaction and feedback

Statistics are not static or fixed, but dynamic and flexible. They can be interpreted, analyzed, or challenged in different ways, depending on the context, assumptions, or methods. To encourage statistical literacy, invite your audience to interact and give feedback on the data and statistics you present. Ask them questions, such as what they notice, what they wonder, what they agree or disagree with, or what they want to know more about. Encourage them to ask questions, share their opinions, or suggest alternative explanations or perspectives. Create opportunities for dialogue, discussion, or debate, and acknowledge the diversity and complexity of statistical reasoning.

4 Provide resources and support

Learning statistics is not a one-time event, but a continuous process that requires practice, feedback, and reflection. To encourage statistical literacy, provide your audience with resources and support that can help them learn more, improve their skills, or apply their knowledge. For example, you can recommend books, websites, podcasts, or courses that cover various topics or levels of statistics. You can also create or join online or offline communities or groups that share data and statistics, exchange ideas, or collaborate on projects. You can also offer or seek mentoring, coaching, or tutoring from experts or peers who can provide guidance, advice, or feedback.

5 Model and celebrate

One of the best ways to encourage statistical literacy is to model and celebrate it yourself. Show your audience that you are curious, enthusiastic, and confident about statistics, and that you use them regularly and responsibly in your work or life. Share your successes, challenges, or learnings from using statistics, and how they helped you achieve your goals or overcome your difficulties. Recognize and appreciate the efforts, achievements, or contributions of others who use or improve statistics, and showcase their stories or examples. Create a positive and supportive environment where statistical literacy is valued and rewarded.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?