Can juniors read graphs? A review and analysis of some computer-based activities

Abstract

This article reviews three published studies that appear to show that children as young as seven or eight can understand line graphs and scatter graphs to a greater extent than was previously supposed. These results are contrasted with frequent reports of poor graphical interpretation by students in secondary school. Given time and support, junior age children can carry out a wide range of interpretation tasks with graphs. In predicting their performance, the context of the graph seems to be more important than its syntax. An analogy is drawn between the acquisition of graphing skills and learning to play board games. It is argued that it is more important that the curriculum provides a rich and varied diet of graphical experiences, than a detailed teaching of graphical syntax. Information handling activities with computers are seen as an important way to achieve this. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.