What are tables and graphs?
Tables and graphs are visual representations. They are
used to organise
information to show patterns and relationships. A graph shows this
information by representing it as a shape. Researchers and scientists often
use tables and graphs to report findings from their research. In newspapers,
magazine articles, and on television they are often used to support an
argument or point of view.
Why do we want students to know about tables and graphs?
Tables and graphs can be useful tools for helping people make decisions.
However, they only provide part of a story. Inferences often have to be made
from the data shown. As well as being able to identify clearly what the graph
or table is telling us, it is important to identify what parts of the story are
missing. This can help the reader decide what other information they need,
or whether the argument should be rejected because the supporting
evidence is suspect. Students need to know how to critique the data and the
way it is presented. A table or graph can misrepresent information by
It is easy, if students are not skilful at reading graphs and tables, to
interpret them incorrectly. They can make wrong decisions because
they are basing them on false inferences. When constructing graphs
and tables, it is also possible to misrepresent the data. Research
suggests that students often regard tables and graphs as an end in
themselves. Few refer to them as a source of evidence, or as a way
of exploring patterns and relationships in data or information.
The curriculum
Tables and graphs are relevant to almost all areas of the curriculum.
The conventions of tables and graphs are consistent across all
curricula. It is the context in which they are used that identifies
them as science, social sciences, geography, etc. The table below
gives examples of English,
mathematics, and science ARB resources
that include tables or graphs.
Examples from the Assessment Resource Banks
