Mathematics and English progression
Handling Data – Parents' Page
Handling data includes the collection, representation and interpretation of data related to an issue or hypothesis.
When your child is working on handling data they will make hypotheses, collect the relevant data, analyse and represent the data, and interpret the data.
Your child will be familiar with the diagram below, which helps to show the approaches to solving problems in handling data.
You can help your child with this topic by:
- noticing graphs, charts and tables in the newspapers or on TV and discussing what they are telling you;
- asking your child to explain what they understand from particular graphs and charts;
- discussing different sorts of calculations such as mean, median and mode.
With coursework for handling data, suggest that your child looks back over the complete piece of work and checks that it hangs together. The following prompts could be helpful to them.
Have you:
- checked that each element makes sense and links to other parts of the work?
- given reasons for your choices and reflected upon these choices?
- used strategies and methods that are matched to the level of work to which you are aspiring?
- made sure any graphs and calculations you have made are relevant, and used the correct mathematical language?
- made sure all calculations are correct and it is clear how they have been worked out, especially if you have used ICT to help your work?
Get someone to read your work and check it all makes sense and that you have explained all of the relevant areas. Ask your parent, carer or friend to read through your work and ask you to explain what you have done and why you have done it. When you have explained, ask them to check to see whether your written explanation is as detailed as your verbal explanation. If not, go back and expand upon your written explanation.
- Handling Data – Parents' Page
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