andmelugemisoskust

Andmelugemisoskust, translated as "data-reading skill" or "data literacy," is the ability to locate, read, interpret, critically evaluate, and apply data presented in various formats, including tables, charts, dashboards, and reports. The term is a compound formed from andme- (data), lugemis- (reading), and oskus- (skill). It covers understanding what data show as well as questions of quality, context, and relevance.

Its scope includes numeric literacy, visual literacy (interpreting graphs and maps), and a basic grasp of data methodology, such as sampling, uncertainty, bias, and source reliability. Proficiency ranges from recognizing values to assessing data quality and drawing evidence-based conclusions. It overlaps with, but is distinct from, data management or data analysis.

In education and public life, andmelugemisoskust is viewed as essential for informed decision making and effective participation in data-driven environments. Curricula often integrate data literacy with mathematics, science, information literacy, and critical thinking; assessments may require interpreting a dataset, evaluating a visualization, or identifying weaknesses in a claim.

Challenges include variable data quality, cognitive load of complex visuals, and unequal access to data literacy resources. Effective instruction emphasizes explicit teaching of data interpretation, practice with real-world datasets, and development of transferable skills across disciplines. See also data literacy, statistical literacy, information literacy.