Teen engagements with data in an after-school data literacy programme at the public library

Abstract

Introduction. The study presents a preliminary model of teen engagement with data in the context of data literacy activities at the public library. The model contributes to knowledge in the area of human data interaction, specifically as relates to the affective domain, to data literacy, and to the special context of informal learning at the public library. Method. The study takes a critical data literacy stance and is framed by theory about interest and engagement drawn from the field of informal learning. Analysis. Data analysis was inductive and iterative, proceeding through multiple stages. Open coding of feedback forms and the observation notes from twenty-seven data literacy workshops for teens revealed facets of teen engagement with data in the public library. Results. Feedback forms completed by teen participants suggest high interest and engagement with data during the data literacy activities. Themes derived from analysis help to tell the story of youth engagement with data literacy at the public library, including: personal connections to data, embodied learning, interactions with data through facilitation techniques (analogy as one such example), opportunities for inquiry and discovery, social arrangements that encourage interaction, and adopting a playful attitude to learning. Conclusions. Future research in youth data literacy programmes at the public library should further explore the variables of engagement identified in this study.