Making and Interpreting Graphs and Tables: Results and Implications from National Assessment

Abstract

The organization and presentation of important information takes various forms including graphs, tables, and charts. Vast amounts of data are presented to us each day as citizens, as consumers, and as interested individuals. The ability to process this information is not only an important skill, but also essential for making many everyday decisions. How knowledgeable are students in interpreting simple graphs and tables? Should reading a graph or table be the main emphasis of our instruction? Can students transfer the skill of reading graphs and charts to using them to make generalizations, predictions, and solve problems?