Since my last blog post, I’ve engaged in a series of illuminating meetings, each contributing to the ongoing evolution of the Futures Project. Here, I’ll distil the key takeaways and decisions made from these encounters:
Meetings Recap:
11/3 – Jillian Randolph: Communication Officer at Chaski Global (Data-driven communication agency, specialising in social organisations)
2/4 – Uta Hinrichs: Professor of Data Visualisation at the University of Edinburgh
16/4 – Victoria Blanc: Communication Officer at UNICEF Uruguay
19/4 – Alejandro Retamoso: Education Officer at UNICEF Uruguay
Communication Guidelines:
During discussions, I emphasised the need for communication guidelines that move beyond stereotypes and empower individuals within the educational context. I decided on adopting a facilitative approach, shifting focus from attributing challenges solely to students to acknowledging systemic barriers. This aligns with my previous work with children with disabilities at UNICEF, where we recognised the importance of addressing systemic issues rather than placing blame on individuals.
Data Collection:
In discussions, the importance of clear communication and transparency with participants in data collection process was highlighted. Additionally, maintaining ongoing communication came about as a critical element in fostering trust and engagement.
Data Representation:
In exploring data representation strategies, we discussed the efficacy of incorporating keywords and dynamic visualisation tools to enhance understanding and engagement. This approach will allow to structure data around key themes and provide both a high-level overview and detailed insights into educational trajectories. Drawing from our discussions, it was emphasised that technical tools should be adopted based on the unique characteristics of the data to ensure that the representation is informative and accessible to diverse audiences. Examples of potential tools mentioned include D3.js, video format, RawGraphs+Illustrator, Figma, and Flourish (scrollytelling).
Education Information:
Through discussions mainly with Alejandro and Victoria, I gained insights into the current landscape of education in Uruguay. Notably, there has been an improvement in enrolment rates over the past five years, but concerns remain regarding over-age students and learning outcomes. Repetition was identified as a common educational intervention, prompting critical questions about its efficacy and long-term impact on student achievement. Repetition is especially common in the first years of primary school. Addressing these challenges necessitates a multifaceted approach that prioritises personalised learning strategies and supports individual trajectories within the educational system.
Leave a Reply