Data science is the ability to ask questions, collect, analyse, interpret, communicate about data. As technology makes it easier to collect vast amounts of data, the skills to use data to solve problems fairly will become even more important.

These courses, developed by experts in the field of digital and data literacy, data science and both primary and secondary teaching, are an innovative and exciting opportunity for professional development. 

While exploring the options for primary and secondary teachers below, read our collections of “postcards” written by our 2023/24 student teachers!

Courses

4 Day Data Science course (secondary teachers)

APPLICATIONS CLOSED

Data Education in Schools is offering a free course on data literacy in the secondary classroom. We still have funded places available.

Teachers attending the course in 2023/24 said:

“I’ll struggle to find more enjoyable, worthwhile and welcoming CPD!”

“The course was an excellent interactive experience with a lot of fantastic opportunities to experience new things.”

There will be four full-day sessions on Thur 5th September 2024, Wed 2nd Oct, Tue 5th Nov and Mon 2nd Dec 2024. The sessions are face to face (following feedback by teachers on previous workshops) but it may be possible to join virtually if required.  You will need to attend all of the sessions.

The course will be taught by Dr Jasmeen Kanwal, Kate Farrell, John Bell (Effini) and will include collaboration with data scientists, colleagues in industry, and educational experts. 

Topics covered will include: 

  • Exploring how data is used to solve real life problems. From coronavirus dashboards in the newspaper, to the smart meters in your cupboard, to the Fitbit in your pocket:  data displays are everywhere. We’ll consider how data can be used ethically to make decisions and improve our lives.
  • Teaching strategies and core concepts: We’ll explore how to develop strategies to ensure that every learner participates meaningfully in opportunities to develop their data literacy.  We will identify digital and non-digital pedagogical approaches to teaching data science, and explore how this may enrich the ways in which all learners are included in class activities. This is important to our commitment to close the attainment gap.  We will also look at ways to engage learners in data for social good projects and activism, using data to benefit their schools and communities.
  • Data Science within BGE: We will look at projects, resources and ideas for teaching data within different curricular areas of Broad General Education.
  • NPA Data Science: We will cover the core concepts in the National Progression Award in Data Science (Levels 4-6)

There are 12 places for teachers on the course. All Secondary school teachers in the South East of Scotland (City of Edinburgh, Fife, Borders, East Lothian, Midlothian and West Lothian) may submit an application for a place. Preference will be given to teachers who will be delivering the NPA in 2024-25 or who work in schools who are working to close the attainment gap, or to improve their technology provision.

Cost for classroom cover will be provided.

How to apply?

When applying to the course, teachers must commit to: attend all sessions; try out the course materials at their school; take part in research data collection activities; and share their knowledge with other teachers. Send the application form to Jasmeen.Kanwal@ed.ac.uk. While the application form includes a deadline by the 14th June 2024, we are still accepting applications over the summer.

 

4 Day Data Literacy course (primary teachers)

APPLICATIONS CLOSED.

Data Education in Schools is offering a free course on data literacy in the primary classroom. Primary teachers attending the course in 2022/23 have said:

“This course has given me the confidence and desire to present the data work that I do with children in a more engaging way”

“…a really supportive and positive experience”

There will be four full-day sessions on (Wednesdays) 11th September 2024, 13th November, 26th February 2025, and 28th May 2025. All sessions will be taught face-to-face and held in central Edinburgh. You will need to attend them all. The course will be taught by Professor Judy Robertson and Kate Farrell and Dr Jasmeen Kanwal and will include collaboration with data scientists, colleagues in industry, and educational experts.

Topics covered will include:

    • Exploring how data is used to solve real life problems. From election dashboards in the newspaper, to the smart meters in your cupboard, to the Fitbit in your pocket: data displays are everywhere. We’ll consider how data be used ethically to make decisions and improve our lives.
    • The data cycle. We’ll learn about the Problem Plan Data Analysis Conclusion (PPDAC) cycle for data problem solving, and how you can teach this process to your learners in real life projects, both with and without technology.
    • Links, strategies and big questions: We’ll explore how to develop strategies to ensure that every child participates meaningfully in opportunities to develop their data literacy. We will identify digital and non-digital pedagogical approaches to teaching data literacy, and explore how this may enrich the ways in which all learners are included in class activities. This is important to our commitment to close the attainment gap.

There are 12 places for teachers on the course. All primary school teachers in the South East of Scotland (City of Edinburgh, Fife, Borders, East Lothian, Midlothian and West Lothian) may submit an application for a place. Preference will be given to teachers in schools that have not previously participated in this course, who are working to close the attainment gap, or to improve their technology provision.

Cost for classroom cover will be provided.

How to apply?

When applying to the course, teachers must commit to: attend all sessions; try out the course materials at their school; take part in research data collection activities; and share their knowledge with other teachers. Send your completed application form to Jasmeen.Kanwal@ed.ac.uk by Friday 14th June. You will be notified if you have a place during the last week of term, at which time you will receive additional details.