The role of mathematical representation in enhancing data and statistical literacy: A systematic review

Marthinus Yohanes Ruamba, Yohanes Leonardus Sukestiyarno, Rochmad & Tri Sri Noor Asih

Volume 5 Issue 4, December 2025

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the role of mathematical representations in enhancing data and statistical literacy among students, with a focus on the integration of interactive data visualization. Using a systematic literature review approach, this study analyzed articles from leading international databases published between 2014 and 2024. The findings highlight that mathematical representations, such as graphs, tables, and diagrams, play a significant role in enhancing students’ understanding and decision-making abilities. Interactive data visualizations not only enhance conceptual understanding but also engage students in exploratory learning processes. A significant contribution of this study lies in the proposal of an easily accessible open-source technology to bridge the gap in schools with limited resources and integrate mathematical representations into real-world contextual applications. Practical implications include teacher training programs for effective visualization design, curriculum development that emphasizes data literacy, and cost-effective adoption of the technology. Future research should evaluate the long-term impact of this strategy, explore inclusive approaches to address individual differences, and assess the scalability of the proposed solution across educational contexts.

Keywords

Author information & Contribution

Marthinus Yohanes Ruamba. Corresponding author. Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Universitas Negeri Semarang, Semarang, Indonesia. Email: marthinusruamba94@students.unnes.ac.id

Yohanes Leonardus Sukestiyarno. Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Semarang State University. Email: sukestiyarno@mail.unnes.ac.id

Rochmad. Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Semarang State University. Email: rochmad@mail.unnes.ac.id

Tri Sri Noor Asih. Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Semarang State University. Email: inung.mat@mail.unnes.ac.id

"All authors equally contributed to the conception, design, preparation, data gathering and analysis, and writing of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript."

Disclosure statement

Funding

Institutional Review Board Statement

AI Declaration

Notes

Acknowledgement

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Cite this article:

Ruamba, M.Y., Sukestiyarno, Y.L., Rochmad & Asih, T.S.N. (2025). The role of mathematical representation in enhancing data and statistical literacy: A systematic review. International Journal of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, 5(4), 1-20. https://doi.org/10.53378/ijstem.353268