Abstract:
We have learned that to analyze, interpret and communicate information through a graph is both a 'science and an art' in critical thinking. Faculty in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at the University of Vermont require all first year students to take a semester-long course in information technology, which includes a major section on data interpretation and graph construction. Through pretesting and a comprehensive analysis of graphing assignments, it was determined that first year students have difficulty constructing proper graphs. Commongraph types and their usage are discussed. A frequency ranking of student graphing errors indicates that graphing problems are related to a combination of factors involving the software, the student, and the instruction. Suggestions for improving instruction include having students understand the data they intend to graph and the message they wish to communicate, and visualize their graph before using software to create the graph.
Keywords:
computer graphing, critical thinking
 Download Article | [ ] | 397 kB |
