Dancing with Data: Embodying the Numerical and Humanistic Sides of Data

Kayla DesPortes, Ralph Vacca, Marian Tes, Peter J. Woods, Camillia Matuk, Anna Amato, Megan Silander

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Data literacy is important for supporting individuals to incorporate information from research studies into their own perspectives and decision-making processes. However, it can be challenging for students to read, understand, and relate to data. Students have to be able to traverse the representational forms that data takes on (i.e., numerical, graphical, etc.) and connect it to their understanding of a topic. We explore the implementation of a co-designed data-dance unit in which middle school students created their own embodied metaphors to represent and communicate about graphs through dance. In analyzing dance artifacts and post-study interviews with the learners and teachers, we demonstrate how the creation of embodied metaphors in dance led to new ways of exploring the data as learners reflected on different perspectives on topics across numerical values, contexts, and implications.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationInternational Collaboration toward Educational Innovation for All
Subtitle of host publicationOverarching Research, Development, and Practices - 16th International Conference of the Learning Sciences, ICLS 2022
EditorsClark Chinn, Edna Tan, Carol Chan, Yael Kali
PublisherInternational Society of the Learning Sciences (ISLS)
Pages305-312
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9781737330653
StatePublished - 2022
Event16th International Conference of the Learning Sciences, ICLS 2022 - Virtual, Online, Japan
Duration: Jun 6 2022Jun 10 2022

Publication series

NameProceedings of International Conference of the Learning Sciences, ICLS
ISSN (Print)1814-9316

Conference

Conference16th International Conference of the Learning Sciences, ICLS 2022
Country/TerritoryJapan
CityVirtual, Online
Period6/6/226/10/22

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Computer Science (miscellaneous)
  • Education

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Dancing with Data: Embodying the Numerical and Humanistic Sides of Data'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this