Strengthening Data Literacy in K-12 Education: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Competent data handling is crucial for active and informed participation in modern society. To equip students for this challenge, data literacy must be strengthened throughout their K-12 education. This scoping review, conducted following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, aims to provide an overview of methods and approaches for enhancing specific sub-skills of data literacy and to identify research gaps. Analysis of 30 relevant papers reveals that, although various definitions and models of data literacy exist, most emphasize data analysis skills. This area is extensively covered in practical approaches, three times more than methods for planning and conducting independent data collection. This disparity highlights an imbalance in data literacy development and underscores the need to address under-represented sub-skills, in particular the actual data collection process. The review suggests a focus on project-based learning with real-world data and current issues as an effective method to balance out this disparity. Future research should explore and develop comprehensive approaches to teaching all aspects of data literacy, particularly those currently underemphasized.