Inspired by statistics: Engaging students through data

In the dynamic world of business, staying informed is not just an advantage – it is a necessity. Statistics and reports provide invaluable insights into industries, future skills and trends. But how can we, as educators, make statistics meaningful and engaging for students? How can we inspire them to view data not as mere numbers but as powerful tools for understanding and transforming the world?

At Haaga-Helia, we integrate statistics into our courses in ways that promote curiosity, critical thinking, collaboration and practical implementation. By encouraging students to analyse and interpret statistics, we foster data literacy, strategic decision-making, and work readiness skills.

Below are some essential resources and approaches we use to make statistics engaging and relevant for our students. The article highlights the importance Haaga-Hela as a higher educational institution places on developing the skills and competences needed by businesses.

Make it meaningful

In education, data literacy is increasingly emphasised. For example, our tourism students often write their theses about destinations and the UNWTO (s.a.) tourism statistics provide valuable insights with comprehensive and up-to-date data, teaching students how to interpret and apply statistical insights. UNWTO’s data allows students to analyse trends and developments, such as the impact of global crises (e.g., pandemics, economic downturns), changes in the demand and supply of airline seats or hotel rooms. Once they have an idea of the numbers and indicators, they can research the topics further and in-depth, using additional sources as well.

In business courses, students work with market data to assess business performance and predict trends. One regularly used source is the Digital 2025 report (We are social) with its 640 pages illustrated with graphs and numbers. The report provides a comprehensive global overview of digital trends, including internet usage, social media engagement, and emerging online behavi ours. Digital marketing students analyse social media metrics, campaign performance, and consumer insights to develop data-driven strategies. By embedding statistics into these practical scenarios, we can make the subject more relevant and accessible. Also, the Lab8 Tool Factory offers many ways for our students to use trends and statistics to further ideate, analyse and get creative with innovative development methods and tools.

Along with data literacy, data visualisation and interactive learning tools are emphasised in business education. It is vital to make data available in engaging and easily digested formats to larger audiences. Students are encouraged to use modern analytics platforms, coding languages like Python and R, and software such as Power BI and Tableau to create dynamic visualisations of complex datasets. By presenting data in visually compelling ways, students can better interpret findings and communicate insights effectively.

An example of data visualisation is the World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report and its numerous infographics that make the findings not only visually appealing but also easy to understand. The report identifies the major drivers shaping the world of work and highlights the skills that will be most in demand in the future. By understanding which jobs are growing and which are declining, students can make informed decisions about their career paths, stay ahead of trends, and develop the skills needed to succeed in the evolving job market. The report also provides insights into emerging fields such as AI, cybersecurity and sustainability – all topics that we highlight in Haaga-Helia.

Our many research and development projects and HH Labs offer exploration spaces for future entrepreneurs, salespeople and AI experts. We integrate projects into learning, keeping our students aware of the latest topics in research, development and innovations.

Make it educationally impactful

Educators can follow several best practices to integrate statistics into learning in ways that are both pedagogically sound and inspiring for students. It may be a good idea to start with questions rather than numbers. Encouraging students to explore statistical data by posing relevant and thought-provoking questions fosters curiosity. Instead of merely presenting a dataset, teachers can ask, how digital consumption has changed over the past decade or what factors influence employment trends in different industries.

By seeking answers through data analysis, students develop a deeper understanding of both statistics and the subject matter. When students see how statistics impact their lives, whether in consumer behaviour, social media trends, or career opportunities, they develop an intrinsic interest in the topic.

Critical thinking should be emphasised over simply memorising facts. Statistics is not just about numbers: it is about making sense of data, interpreting and understanding data. Educators need to encourage students to question sources, interpret trends, and identify biases in datasets. Teaching students to critically evaluate the reliability of statistical reports prepares them for the fast-paced world of work where misinformation and disinformation are prevalent. Encouraging students to present their findings in creative formats, such as blogs, videos, or interactive reports, makes learning more dynamic and rewarding. Data visualisation tools, coding platforms, and AI-based analytics provide students with hands-on experiences that go beyond traditional textbook exercises.

Collaboration plays a crucial role in statistics education. Learning statistics in isolation can feel abstract, but working in groups to analyse and present findings fosters teamwork and communication skills. At Haaga-Helia, students often collaborate on research projects where they interpret and present statistical insights to peers and industry professionals. Additionally, cross-disciplinary approaches, linking statistics with business, technology, or social sciences, further enrich the learning experience.

The goal is not just to teach students how to analyse data, but to help them become curious, informed, and confident decision-makers in an increasingly data-driven world.

Picture: Haaga-Helia