How to use tables, graphs, and charts

Study guide: Tables, bar charts, line graphs, pie charts, and stem-and-leaf plots

Introduction

Welcome to your study guide on different kinds of graphs and charts! In this guide, you will learn about tables, bar charts, line graphs, pie charts, and stem-and-leaf plots. These tools help us organize information (data) so we can understand it better, compare things, and explain our ideas clearly. Whether you're checking out a sports statistic, reading a weather report, or even looking at your school grades, graphs and charts are there to help you make sense of the numbers.

Why should we learn about graphs and charts?

Organization: They help arrange lots of numbers and facts in a neat and clear way.

Analysis: Graphs let us see patterns, trends, and differences quickly. For example, you can see if something is increasing, decreasing, or staying the same

Explanation: They make it easier to share and explain information to others. A picture (or graph) often tells the story better than a long list of numbers!

Imagine a chef checking which dish is most popular or a coach looking at players' scores. In each job, clear graphs and charts help professionals make better decisions.

1. Tables

What they are: Tables use rows and columns to organize data. Think of a table like a grid where each cell holds a piece of information.

Why they’re useful: Tables let you look up specific numbers quickly. They are great for listing information like class test scores, a schedule of events, or even a menu.

Real-world example: In a school, a teacher might use a table to show students' names alongside their test scores. In a grocery store, a price list in a table helps you find how much each product costs.

2. Bar charts

What they are: Bar charts use bars (either vertical or horizontal) to show how different groups compare to each other.

Why they’re useful: They make it easy to compare the size or amount of different groups at a glance.

Real-world example: A sports team might use a bar chart to compare the number of goals scored by each player. In business, a bar chart can show sales numbers for different products.

3. Line graphs

What they are: Line graphs use points connected by lines to show changes over time.

Why they’re useful: They are perfect for showing trends, like rising or falling temperatures, over days, months, or even years.

Real-world example: Weather stations use line graphs to show changes in temperature during the week. Scientists use line graphs to track changes in plant growth over time.

4. Pie charts

What they are: Pie charts are circular graphs divided into slices. Each slice shows a part of the whole.

Why they’re useful: They help you see how a total amount is split into different parts, making it easy to see proportions.

Real-world example: In a classroom, a pie chart might show the percentage of students who prefer different types of snacks. Businesses use pie charts to see what percentage of their sales comes from each product.

5. Stem-and-leaf plots

What they are: A stem-and-leaf plot is a way to display data where numbers are split into a “stem” (the first digit or digits) and a “leaf” (the last digit).

Why they’re useful: This plot shows how data is distributed and helps you see the shape of the data (for example, whether most numbers are grouped together or spread out).

Real-world example: A teacher might use a stem-and-leaf plot to display the distribution of scores on a test. This makes it easier to see if many students scored similarly or if there was a wide range of scores.

How graphs and charts help in different jobs and careers

• Business: Managers use bar charts and pie charts to track sales, compare products, and plan for the future.
• Science: Researchers use line graphs to study trends like temperature changes or population growth.
• Healthcare: Doctors and nurses use line graphs to monitor patients’ vital signs, like heart rate or blood pressure, over time.
• Sports: Coaches use bar charts and line graphs to analyze players’ performance and strategize for upcoming games.
• Education: Teachers use tables and stem-and-leaf plots to record and review student progress and test scores.

Conclusion

Graphs and charts are more than just pictures - they are powerful tools that help us make sense of the world around us. By learning how to create and interpret tables, bar charts, line graphs, pie charts, and stem-and-leaf plots, you gain skills that are useful in school and many jobs. They help you organize data, spot trends, compare information, and explain your findings clearly.

So, next time you see a graph or chart, remember: you’re looking at a clever way to understand and share important information. Happy graphing!

Why learn Latin?

The importance of learning Latin for young students

Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, the push towards equipping students with relevant and modern skills often overshadows traditional subjects like Latin. Once the lingua franca of the educated world, Latin is now often viewed as a dead language with limited practical application. However, learning Latin offers numerous benefits that extend far beyond mere linguistic knowledge. It serves as a powerful tool for intellectual development, enhances understanding of modern languages, deepens knowledge of history and culture, and provides significant cognitive benefits. This essay explores the multifaceted reasons why young students should consider learning Latin and how it remains relevant in a variety of contexts.

1. Foundational understanding of the English language

One of the most compelling reasons for young students to learn Latin is its profound impact on understanding the English language. Approximately 60% of English words are derived from Latin, particularly those used in academic, legal, medical, and scientific contexts. By learning Latin, students gain insight into the roots of English vocabulary, which helps in mastering complex words and enhances their ability to decipher unfamiliar terms.

For example, the Latin word "scribere" means "to write," and from it, we derive words like "scribe," "inscription," and "manuscript." Understanding the Latin roots allows students to grasp the meanings of these English words more intuitively. Moreover, Latin study can significantly improve students' spelling and grammar. The rigorous structure of Latin grammar, with its clear rules and exceptions, provides students with a framework that can be applied to understanding and mastering English grammar.

2. Cognitive development and analytical skills

Learning Latin is not just about language acquisition; it also promotes cognitive development. The process of learning Latin requires students to engage in deep analytical thinking. Latin is an inflected language, meaning that the form of words changes to express their role in a sentence. This requires students to pay close attention to detail and understand the relationships between words, thereby fostering logical thinking and problem-solving skills.

The mental discipline developed through studying Latin can be transferred to other areas of learning. Students who study Latin often perform better in subjects that require critical thinking, such as mathematics and science. The process of translating Latin sentences into English requires the same step-by-step logical reasoning that is essential in solving mathematical problems.



3. Enhanced learning of other languages

Latin serves as a gateway to learning other languages, particularly the Romance languages such as Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Romanian. These languages evolved directly from Latin, and they share a significant amount of vocabulary and grammatical structures with their ancestral language. Students who have a solid foundation in Latin often find it easier to learn these modern languages because they can recognize familiar roots and grammatical patterns.

Even for languages that are not directly descended from Latin, such as German or Russian, Latin can still be helpful. The study of Latin teaches students how languages function as systems, which can make learning any new language more intuitive. Additionally, since Latin is no longer spoken conversationally, students focus on reading and writing, which are key skills when learning any new language.

4. Deepening cultural and historical knowledge

Latin is not just a language; it is a gateway to understanding Western civilization. By studying Latin, students gain direct access to the writings of ancient Rome, which have significantly influenced Western culture, law, government, philosophy, and literature. Understanding Latin allows students to read classical texts in their original language, providing insights that are often lost in translation.

For example, works by Roman authors such as Cicero, Virgil, and Ovid offer profound reflections on human nature, politics, and society that continue to resonate today. The legal terminology used in modern legal systems also has its roots in Latin, making the study of Latin particularly beneficial for students interested in pursuing careers in law or the humanities.

Moreover, learning Latin helps students appreciate the historical context of modern Western society. The Roman Empire’s influence on Europe is profound, and many modern institutions, from legal systems to architectural styles, trace their origins back to Rome. By studying Latin, students can better understand the roots of contemporary culture and the historical development of ideas that continue to shape our world.



5. Improving standardized test scores

An often-overlooked benefit of studying Latin is its positive impact on standardized test scores. Studies have shown that students who study Latin tend to perform better on tests like the SAT and GRE. This is particularly true for the verbal sections of these exams. The vocabulary and grammar skills gained from studying Latin translate directly into improved reading comprehension and writing abilities.

For example, the SAT and GRE include many vocabulary words with Latin roots. A student familiar with Latin is more likely to recognize these roots and infer the meanings of unfamiliar words, giving them a distinct advantage. Additionally, the analytical skills developed through Latin study can help students tackle the logic-based questions that are common on standardized tests.

6. Career advantages in various fields

While Latin may not seem immediately practical in today’s job market, it actually provides advantages in several professional fields. For students interested in careers in medicine, law, theology, or academia, Latin is particularly valuable. Medical terminology, for instance, is heavily based on Latin. A student with a background in Latin will find it easier to memorize and understand complex medical terms.

In law, many legal terms and phrases, such as habeas corpus or prima facie, are Latin. Understanding these terms is essential for anyone studying or practicing law. Additionally, Latin is often required or highly beneficial for students pursuing advanced degrees in theology or philosophy, as many foundational texts in these disciplines were originally written in Latin.

Moreover, a background in Latin can distinguish students in competitive academic and professional environments. It signals to potential employers or admissions committees that the student possesses strong analytical skills, intellectual curiosity, and a solid foundation in Western culture and thought.

Conclusion

The study of Latin may seem antiquated in a world increasingly dominated by technology and modern languages, but its benefits are far-reaching and enduring. From enhancing English language skills and cognitive development to facilitating the learning of other languages and deepening cultural understanding, Latin provides young students with a versatile toolset that can be applied in a variety of contexts. Moreover, the discipline and analytical skills gained from studying Latin can lead to improved academic performance and open doors to career opportunities in fields that value precision, logic, and a deep understanding of history and language.

In an educational environment where the focus is often on immediate practicality, Latin offers something different: a chance to develop the mind in ways that are not immediately apparent but are deeply valuable in the long term. For young students, learning Latin is not just about mastering a language; it is about cultivating a way of thinking that will serve them throughout their lives.

Understanding standardized testing

Standardized testing: Understanding the pros and cons

What is standardized testing? What are the benefits and drawbacks of standardized testing? What are examples of common standardized tests that elementary school students, middle school students, and high school students usually take? What are the main arguments and criticisms against standardized testing?

Introduction

Standardized testing has become a common practice across the United States, used in schools to measure a student’s knowledge and growth over time. These tests are taken by students of all ages, from elementary to high school, and serve as a way to evaluate a student’s readiness for college and beyond. However, as with any practice, standardized testing comes with its own set of pros and cons. In this blog post, we will discuss what standardized testing is, the benefits and drawbacks of standardized testing, common standardized tests students take, and criticism against the practice.

What is standardized testing?

Standardized testing is a type of testing that measures a student’s knowledge and skills acquired over time, regardless of where they come from. This means that the exam’s content is consistent, no matter the school or district a student comes from. Standardized tests are generally objective in nature, meaning that they are graded based on a set of rules and guidelines.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of standardized testing?

One of the main benefits of standardized testing is that they provide a level-playing field for students. These tests serve to measure a student’s knowledge in areas such as math, reading, and writing, which are considered fundamental to academic success. Furthermore, these tests can help identify students who may be struggling before it is too late to provide assistance. One of the drawbacks of standardized testing, however, is that they can generate feelings of anxiety and undue pressure among students, which may not be conducive to effective learning.

What are examples of common standardized tests taken by students?

There are several standardized tests taken by students across the United States. In elementary school, students commonly take the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC). In middle school, students may take the PSAT and the ACT Aspire, which is designed to measure a student’s readiness for the high school ACT exam. At the high school level, the PSAT, SAT, and ACT exams are commonly taken by students.

What are the main arguments against standardized testing?

Critics of standardized testing argue that there are a variety of negative effects that can result from heavy reliance on these exams. Standardized tests can create a one-size-fits-all approach to learning, which can leave behind those who learn differently. Additionally, the pressure and anxiety that these exams generate may lead to cheating or lower performance because students are too stressed to perform optimally. Furthermore, standardized tests are seen to be too focused on measuring isolated skills that may not be relevant to real-life situations.

Conclusion

Standardized testing has become a widespread practice in schools across the United States, serving as a way to measure a student’s knowledge and skills over time. While there are clear benefits to this practice, such as creating a level-playing field and identifying struggling students early, there are also negative consequences, such as feelings of anxiety and undue pressure among students. Furthermore, critics argue that standardized testing may not be the most effective way of measuring a student’s readiness for college and beyond. As with any practice, it is important to consider both the drawbacks and benefits of standardized testing carefully.

Are the ACT and SAT still needed?

The ACT and SAT tests - still relevant?

Lately, there's been a lot of talk circulating about a growing number of colleges and universities across the country scrapping ACT and SAT test scores as part of their admissions requirements. Indeed, according to an article that appeared in a special section of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel back on September 26, 2021, citing data from the educational consulting firm IvyWise, a whopping, "Seventy-two percent of colleges and universities adopted test-optional policies for the 2021-22 school year, and some schools are now extending that policy for the next one to two years..." (College & Career Guide, 2021, para. 5).

The article explains that the COVID-19 pandemic has certainly played a role in all of this, but that the practice of forgoing these test scores in the admissions process is not entirely new. In fact, according to the article, citing information from an education-focused financial planning resource called Edmit, "Since the mid-2000s, various universities have included test-optional clauses in their admissions policies" (College & Career Guide, 2021, para. 3).

Among the many colleges and universities that have eliminated, for now, ACT and SAT test score requirements, are, "...Cornell University, Penn State, Williams College, Amherst College, Boston College, and Columbia University" (College & Career Guide, 2021, para. 5).

But whether or not your top college choices are taking ACT / SAT scores into consideration at this time, it's still to your benefit to take the test(s), and to put forth your best effort with adequate preparation.

Even if the schools on your shortlist aren't looking at these test scores, the scores may still open doors to you in other ways. Try to see the test(s) more as a standalone, independent credential that can help pave the way to other academic and financial rewards and opportunities, rather than simply another standard item to check off on the college admissions "to do" list. Let's dive deeper and explore some examples.

The ACT / SAT and scholarship money

Many outside scholarship contests not affiliated with your chosen college(s) still look at these scores to differing degrees when determining who they are going to award. Many of these scholarships are local, coming from organizations like your own community's chamber of commerce; Lions, Kiwanis, Rotary, Moose, and Elk service clubs; neighborhood businesses and perhaps even your parents'/guardians' employers; etc. In short, many organizations and businesses that award scholarships are still taking these test scores into consideration. Some may weigh test scores less or more so than others, but nonetheless, they are being taken into some consideration. It's to your advantage, then, to still take these tests seriously. Not doing so may cause you to leave serious scholarship money on the table.

A possible resume builder?

A noteworthy test score(s) can potentially be used to your advantage on your resume/CV, at least for a time being early on, during the remainder of your high school years and into your college years. Combined with some solid work and service experiences, an excellent score(s) can be an additional way you demonstrate to employers and academic institutions/opportunities that you mean business.  

An objective, proven measure of skill mastery and academic potential

While test scores are far from being the only tool to measure knowledge, ability, and potential, they arguably provide a more objective, at-a-glance, snapshot of your capabilities. Noteworthy scores demonstrate in a quick and easy-to-understand format that you not only possess a good amount of academic knowledge, but also, and perhaps more importantly, that you can think critically and act strategically, as well.

Preparing you for college

Finally, a solid score on the ACT, and/or the SAT if you choose to take this test, demonstrates that you are indeed prepared to handle college-level work. Now, even if the schools you're seeking admission to are not considering these test scores as part of their admissions requirements, at least demonstrate to yourself - for yourself - that you are prepared for college-level work. At the end of the day, you're the one responsible for ensuring you're capable and up to the task. It's not the school that's responsible. You may be admitted to your dream college or university without having to submit these scores, but you can just as easily find yourself burning out and perhaps even dropping/flunking out. That's the stark reality of it. Take the test(s) seriously, to the absolute best of your ability, and do it for you, if for no one else. Do it for you.

Now, doing well on the ACT demonstrates that you have at least been keeping pace with grade-level work all these years. In other words, you're where you should be at, generally speaking. You're performing at grade level. Doing well on the SAT, meanwhile, shows that you're generally performing above grade level.        

Conclusion

While many colleges and universities across the country are not taking ACT and SAT test scores into account at this time when deciding on who to admit, it is clear that these tests are still relevant, for a variety of reasons. Solid test scores can still come in handy when competing for outside scholarships. Scores can potentially be used as a resume builder, demonstrating to employers and various academic institutions/opportunities that you take your work seriously. And finally, if for nothing else, noteworthy scores will show you that you're ready to handle college-level work. 

Reference

College & Career Guide.  (2021, September 26).  Colleges extending test-optional practices.  College & Career Guide section, p. 5S.  Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

I was a slacker in high school

I barely got out of high school on time, and I was either out of my mind or brilliant (or a little bit of both) for taking both the ACT and the SAT, because it was the SAT in the end that got me into my in-state college. At 36 and a Ph.D. student, I still have some regrets. Here's my story. Learn from me.

To use my own words, I was a total slacker in high school. A Slacker with a capital "S". It's been quite a while since I've seen any of the Back to the Future films, but whenever I do see any of them, I can imagine Principal Strickland speaking to me when he calls Marty McFly a slacker. These scenes, I joke, were made just for me.



I barely graduated high school on time. I had to make some credits up through mail order correspondence courses. How I got into college was a miracle. During spring semester of my senior year, I still did not have any schools lined up, because I slacked on applying to any. That was, until a recruiter from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee came out our way to Muskego High School one day for a presentation. I saw a flier hanging on the wall by the guidance office advertising the session and inviting students interested in attending to stop by guidance for a pass. I don't remember what class I had during that time, but I do recall that, whatever it was, I really wanted to skip it. No kidding. I just wanted to get out of class. So, I went down to guidance for my pass. And the rest, as they say, is history. I was immediately sold on the recruiter's presentation. She did an awesome job, and I quickly arranged for a tour of the campus. But now came the tricky part - getting admitted!

Now, I don't remember if I had already taken the ACT and SAT tests (yep, as much as I was a slacker, I took the SAT test for the heck of it!) by the time I met with the Stritch recruiter, or after. I do recall waiting 'til the last minute and taking them during that spring semester of my senior year, though. But I'm thankful I did happen to take the SAT test, because my ACT score ended up being too low to get into Stritch. The school, which ideally preferred the ACT, had a conversion calculator to determine what I would have received on the ACT by taking the SAT, so they used that score. Many say the ACT is supposed to be the easier of the two tests, but I found the opposite to be true in my case. I kept running out of time for each of the sections, and because of that, I left a lot of questions unanswered. Things seemed a lot smoother and more relaxed with the SAT in my case. Anyway, I did well on the admissions essay, and I was ultimately accepted through the university's conditional acceptance program, which meant my grades would be closely monitored for at least my first semester and my participation in co-curricular activities limited for a while. In effect, I was entering the university on academic probation right off the bat.

"Instead of plotting my own destiny, I allowed myself to just sort of drift around in the wind for a while, landing wherever and whenever the wind stopped for a moment or two."

All these years later, Stritch still can't seem to get rid of me, I joke. I'm in the school's Ph.D. program, and I actually joined the student government again this past school year as a senator - at the age of 35. My recruiter still works for Stritch, and we continue to keep in touch from time to time. Wonderful school with a lot of great people. Many happy memories created over the years.

Anyway, I'm sharing all of this with you, first off, because I enjoy looking back in time and laughing at myself and how it's truly a miracle that I managed to get out of high school in time and into college, but most importantly, I really want this to be a teachable moment.

See, I just didn't care about much of anything when I was in high school. It's not that I didn't want to learn. I loved to learn. But on my own terms, I guess. There were a few classes that I really enjoyed and got a lot out of, but the majority of them were just kind of "blah" to me. I was just there because I had to be. I wasn't involved in any clubs or activities, either. I was up very early in the morning for the bus, and so by the time the school day ended and I got off the bus, a ride which seemed to last forever, I just wanted to watch a little TV, eat dinner, and doze off. Some years later, in college, a few of my professors would explain to me that I probably just wasn't engaged. They told me that I obviously had the smarts to get into college, and that they've seen some impressive work produced by me.

Whatever the reason or reasons for my lack of interest and effort in high school, though, I still have some regrets all these years later. I sometimes wonder what opportunities I missed out on - what paths I may have inadvertently closed - by not taking high school more seriously. Instead of plotting my own destiny, I allowed myself to just sort of drift around in the wind for a while, landing wherever and whenever the wind stopped for a moment or two. I got into college mostly by sheer luck. And as much as I love Stritch and feel that the school has certainly prepared me for success in life and career, I still occasionally ask myself, "What if?" What if I had just one more conversation with someone back then on career paths, and that one conversation was the one life-changer I needed? What if my grades and test scores were higher? What if I took more initiative to learn outside of the classroom back then, and, as a result, really found something to be passionate about?

Don't have those same regrets. Don't put yourself in the position of having to wonder about all of the what-ifs. Take advantage of this time you have during these high school years. Start giving some serious thought early on as to what you may want to pursue for a career. Start thinking about any particular training, experiences, and higher education you may need for those careers you're exploring. Network and talk. Have conversations with family, friends of your family, family of your friends, teachers, coaches, guidance counselors, business owners, tradespeople, etc., etc. about options after high school. Research and dive into any relevant volunteer opportunities that may give you an edge on your resume. Time is on your side at this age, but the time will also go quickly enough, so don't squander it.

I joke that I did so poorly in high school the first time around, that I was sent back. Hopefully, I get it right this time, not for me, but for the students and families I have the pleasure and responsibility of serving. Perhaps I finally found my true calling all these years later.

If you enjoyed this post, you may also find these previous posts, High school students and stress, Building a general foundation first, and Preparing for the ACT test, interesting and helpful.