Technical Aspects of the Data Warning Serious Geeking Out Ahead!
Collect your data in a Data Bin Student information system is most common Spreadsheets will do in a pinch Know whether you are collecting numbers or words (either is fine, but know the answer!)
Enter Clean Data If the Data is not Clean...Clean it! One Field (spreadsheet column) per piece of information -- do not cross the data streams! Consistent Language is important if you are counting demographics. “Nuance is for narratives”! Data is a representation of Reality! Know the real-world analog to the data that you are manipulating Take CAREFUL notes when you change the data -- you are working with real people!
Spreadsheets (Excel, Sheets) Vs. Data Visualization (Charts, Tableau) Spreadsheets are great for formulas - formulas are used to Count, Compare, Calculate, and Report Data Visualization is great for Finding Patterns and Reporting information Choose Wisely. Sample
Don’t Be Afraid of the formulas Know what your Goal is Don’t be afraid to ask (or Google) =COUNTIFS(comp!$K$2:$K$11331,"*A- *", comp!$W$2:$W$11331,5) Translation: On The Computer Science Data Sheet For rows 2-11,331, If Column K has an “A-” AND If Column W has the number 5, Then Add “1” Repeat for all rows.
Choose your team: Math Teachers are invaluable Choose your team: Math Teachers are invaluable! (so are AP Stats Classes). Remember to check the data against the real world (The 120% Example) Data IS NOT communication of information. Those are separate steps Other Tips and Tricks