How can you present data to educators so that they understand it?

1 Know your audience

Before you design your data presentation, you need to know who you are presenting to and what they need to know. Different audiences have different levels of familiarity, interest, and expectations with data. For example, educators may want to see how data relates to their teaching goals and practices, students may want to see how data reflects their progress and achievements, parents may want to see how data supports their children's learning and development, and administrators may want to see how data aligns with their strategic plans and policies. You should tailor your data presentation to suit your audience's needs, preferences, and questions.

2 Choose the right format

Data can be presented in various formats, such as tables, charts, graphs, maps, dashboards, infographics, or reports. Each format has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the type, amount, and complexity of data you want to show. You should choose the format that best suits your purpose, message, and audience. For example, tables can show detailed and accurate data, but they can also be hard to read and compare. Charts and graphs can show trends and patterns, but they can also be misleading and confusing if not labeled and scaled properly. Maps can show spatial and geographic data, but they can also be distorted and biased if not projected and colored correctly. Dashboards can show multiple and interactive data, but they can also be cluttered and overwhelming if not organized and filtered well. Infographics can show visual and engaging data, but they can also be oversimplified and inaccurate if not sourced and verified carefully. Reports can show comprehensive and narrative data, but they can also be lengthy and boring if not structured and summarized well.

3 Use clear and simple language

Data presentation is not only about visualizing data, but also about explaining data. You should use clear and simple language to describe your data, especially if you are presenting to a non-technical audience. You should avoid using jargon, acronyms, or abbreviations that your audience may not understand. You should also define any terms or concepts that are specific to your data or field. You should use active and positive words to convey your data, rather than passive and negative words. You should also use consistent and appropriate units, scales, and labels to show your data, and avoid using too many decimals, percentages, or fractions that may confuse your audience.

4 Highlight the key points

Data presentation is not only about showing data, but also about telling a story. You should highlight the key points that you want your audience to remember and act on. You should use titles, headings, captions, or summaries to introduce and conclude your data presentation. You should also use colors, shapes, icons, or symbols to emphasize and differentiate your data. You should also use comparisons, contrasts, or benchmarks to contextualize and interpret your data. You should also use questions, examples, or scenarios to illustrate and relate your data to your audience's experience or interest.

5 Invite feedback and discussion

Data presentation is not only about informing your audience, but also about engaging your audience. You should invite feedback and discussion from your audience to check their understanding, address their concerns, and explore their ideas. You should ask open-ended and relevant questions to stimulate their curiosity and involvement. You should also listen actively and respectfully to their responses and comments, and acknowledge their contributions and perspectives. You should also encourage them to ask questions and share their feedback and suggestions with you and each other.

Data presentation is a skill that can help you communicate data to educators and other audiences in a clear and effective way. By following these tips, you can improve your data presentation skills and enhance your data literacy and impact.