1. Dimensions of Statistical Literacy 13 September 2006 UNECE Work Session on Dissemination and Communication

2. 25.8.20062Statistics Finland / Jussi Melkas Statistical literacy is an ability... … to understand … to critically evaluate … to appreciate the contributions of statistical thinking According to Katherine Wallman

3. 25.8.20063Statistics Finland / Jussi Melkas Elements of Statistical Literacy Social and economic concepts Inflation, unemployment rate, GDP, fertility, etc... Statistical way of thinking Statistical properties of mean & median, indices, growth rates, etc... Knowledge of the research process Samples, data gathering, questioning techniques, etc.. Understanding of different presentation modes Tables, graphics, text

4. 25.8.20064Statistics Finland / Jussi Melkas Elements of Statistical Literacy, cont. Imagination capacity to see behind the numbers, connecting different sources Carefulness checking, checking, checking

5. 25.8.20065Statistics Finland / Jussi Melkas NSI - problems in educating the public Only small audiences compared to the need Audiences are self-selected Many target groups with differing needs Exercises are difficult to organise (students’ lack of time, passivity, short courses) Missing pedagogical capacity

6. 25.8.20066Statistics Finland / Jussi Melkas System of statistical literacy promotion of ordinary people, Statistics Finland Statistics Finland Media Journalists National education system Teachers ”Intellectuals” & Politicians Ordinary people Internet service Basic skills of statistical literacy Lecturing Agenda setting Ad hoc service

7. 25.8.20067Statistics Finland / Jussi Melkas How can the NSI help an ORDINARY PEOPLE’s understanding of statistics? Their main source of daily statistical information is the media A good web service is important, but it should also support understanding of statistics: Present easy definitions linked to the statistical data! Avoid difficult statistical terminology! Tell how the information has been compiled! Use standardised and clear graphics and tables! Offer opportunities to exercise on the web!

8. 25.8.20068Statistics Finland / Jussi Melkas How can the NSI support the JOURNALIST to succeed in the jungle of statistics? Journalists are always in a hurry, have no time for theoretical problems, but always have time for discussion and questions Personal contact supported with the web helps them best: databank of concepts on the web methodological information on the web basic course on reading statistics (lectures, web) ad hoc courses/seminars on up-to-date themes ad hoc statistical support

9. 25.8.20069Statistics Finland / Jussi Melkas How can the NSI support a TEACHER to educate people to understand statistics Teachers need a solid theoretical basis in statistical thinking, but also ready-made exercises Teaching materials on the web and tailored lectures (multiform teaching) seem the best solution: The NSI & education sector co-produce teaching materials supporting material for tutoring of a student (e.g. how to find statistics, to make a sample, etc.) on the web ready-made exercises on the web databank of concepts on the web easy to use models of graphics and tables on the web

10. 25.8.200610Statistics Finland / Jussi Melkas How can the NSI try to get “INTELLECTUALS” to support the idea of statistical literacy? The “intellectuals” are highly networked and they live within a continuous dialogue, but you cannot teach them Networking is also the key for the NSI: co-operation on data analysis invitation to write into NSI publications methodological seminars good models of tables and graphics on the web and in printed publications the NSI should take part in scientific discussion on relevant fields

11. 25.8.200611Statistics Finland / Jussi Melkas Attachment My presentation reflects the conditions of a small northern country and solutions found by Statistics Finland Here are some basic facts about both of them

12. 25.8.200612Statistics Finland / Jussi Melkas Finland POPULATION: 5.26 million LANGUAGE: 91% Finnish, 6% Swedish GDP: EUR 155.3 billion, about EUR 30,000 per capita EMPLOYMENT RATE: 68% EXPENDITURE ON COMMUNICATION: EUR 942 per household NEWSPAPERS: circulation 3.228 million copies LIBRARIES: 2,333 million borrowers INTERNET: 2.8 million users (aged 15-74) in spring 2006 EDUCATION: 64% of total population completed at least upper secondary school

13. 25.8.200613Statistics Finland / Jussi Melkas Statistics Finland The National Statistical Office with about 1,000 employees The tasks and autonomy defined by law Services among others: 700 releases of statistics in a year the web service with 154,000 different visitors per month eCourse in Statistics: 9 basic courses 30 chargeable lecture courses in a year 134 publications: among them three periodicals publishing analyses and statistics