Mastering Data Interpretation and Communication

The African Foundational Learning (AFLEARN) Data Hub’s inaugural one-week residential course focused on maximizing the impact of foundational learning data. The course was made possible through generous funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. This course brought together policy and data analysts from NGOs, officials from African statistics offices and education ministries, as well as postgraduate students and researchers from across the continent.

Course Objectives

This five-day course aimed to equip participants with the skills and insights to interpret and communicate foundational learning data effectively.

Key focus areas

Key focus areas included:

1. Strategic Communication: Learn to identify communication objectives, define key audiences, and craft evidence-based messages aligned with specific policy goals.
2. Data Interpretation: Understand how to avoid common pitfalls in data analysis, account for and communicate uncertainty effectively, and appreciate challenges with the metrics used to convey and compare learning outcomes.
3. Data Visualization: Discover core principles of data visualization, including how visualization enhances comprehension and the essential design elements needed to tell a story with data.
4. Writing for Non-specialist Audiences: Develop skills in clear, simple writing and learn to structure policy briefs for maximum impact with policymakers and other non-technical audiences.

Course Structure

The course combined lectures, hands-on data analysis, small group sessions, and individual and group exercises. Participants would critically assess examples of effective and ineffective data visualizations and evidence communication, identifying common pitfalls and misconceptions along the way.

The course was developed in collaboration with Usawa Agenda, a member of the PAL network. Usawa Agenda works closely with the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, particularly in sampling and accessing Enumeration Area maps for their studies.

Data analysis sessions used the most recent round of Usawa Agenda’s assessment data. Guest lecturers provided insights on how policymakers engaged with evidence, using evidence to inform advocacy, and writing for non-specialist audiences.

Throughout the week, there were opportunities to apply these skills to participants’ own data by developing a policy brief and accompanying visualizations.

Building a Community of Practice

One of our key goals is to strengthen the community of professionals working with foundational learning data across Africa. Networking opportunities were provided through group exercises, social events during the week, and ongoing support in the months following the course, with online sessions designed to help continue applying new skills.

Course Lecturers

Professor Cally Ardington

Dr Linda Zuze

Dr John Musantu

Dr Emma Whitelaw

Guest Lecturers

Dr Nompumeleo Nyathi Nohohlwane

Pippa Green

Sipumelele Lucwaba

Lynn Woolfrey

Participants