Telling data stories: a pilot workshop for economists

Abby Kendrick

8th January 2018

Executive Summary

What do economists do all day? Economists study data in order to spot trends in economic activity. They brief colleagues on data and its likely effect on the economy, government and markets. They communicate precisely and concisely, focussing on the most relevant information. They work closely with each other and share ideas, making recommendations about ways to respond to trends as they begin. ‘Telling data stories’ sets out to equip students with the hands-on practical skills of a real-life economist, ultimately to provide them with the opportunity to exceed in life, as well as in exams. The project seeks to draw on expertise from within and outside of the Department of Economics to deliver a pilot workshop on practical presentation skills. The aim of the workshop is to get students on their feet in an open space, to learn and practice how to use their voice and body to better communicate the types of things we teachers, and employers, expect our students to be able to communicate; that is, telling data-driven stories. The project has three dimensions: (i) running of a pilot workshop co-led by economics staff with IATL and drama education practitioners for around 40 Year 1 undergraduate students; (ii) identifying ‘Lead Learners’ from this pilot cohort to facilitate student-to-student teaching and learning as the cohort progresses through years two and three; (iii) training of Teaching Fellows in the Department of Economics on teaching practical presentation skills, with a view to these ‘Champions’ co-running workshops alongside Lead Learners going forward. The skills gained by students will contribute directly to the Personal Development Module, a compulsory component of the degree courses across Economics. Impact of participation in the workshop on students’ story-telling skills will be assessed through assessed presentations given in EC125: Computing and Data Analysis, a core module for all single and joint honours students in Economics.

Assets