BM27220 – Maths for Journalists

Module code

BM27220

Module title

Maths for Journalists

Prescription

This unit standard is intended for people studying journalism in an off-job situation. Interpret and use numerical data to write news stories, and write instructions for the production of an infographic

Programmes

BM0901

NZQA Level

Level 5

NZQA Credits

Delivery method

Web-Based

Learning hours

Directed hours: 25
Self directed hours: 25
Total learning hours: 50

Resources required

Content: Outcome 1

Interpret numerical data from a financial report and use it to write a news story.

Range - Evidence is required for one news story using interpreted data from a financial report.

Evidence requirements

1.1 Numerical data from a financial report is described and interpreted for use in a news story.

Range - Sources of data may include but are not limited to - Statement of Financial Position, Statement of Comprehensive Income, Statement of Changes in Equity, Statement of cash flows; EBIT (Earnings before interest and taxes); EBITDA (Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization); evidence is required for a minimum of one source of data.

1.2 News story is written using the interpreted numerical data from the financial report in accordance with the publishable standard.

1.3 News story is corrected in accordance with the publishable standard and filed to meet training establishment practices.

Outcome 2

Interpret NZ Tier 1 statistical data from the Statistics New Zealand website and use it to write a news story.

Range - Evidence is required for one news story using interpreted NZ Tier 1 statistical data.

Evidence requirements

2.1 NZ Tier 1 statistical data from the Statistics New Zealand website is explained and interpreted in terms of its relevance to news reporting.

2.2 Interpreted NZ Tier 1 statistical data that could be used for a news story is described, and the possibilities for its inclusion in the news story are analysed.

2.3 News story is written, using the interpreted NZ Tier 1 statistical data, in accordance with the publishable standard.

2.4 News story is corrected in accordance with the publishable standard and filed to meet training establishment practices.

Outcome 3

Interpret numerical data from the result of an opinion poll and use it to write a news story.

Range - Evidence is required for one news story using interpreted numerical data.

Evidence requirements

3.1 Factors that may affect the findings of a poll are described in accordance with the industry text.

Range - Factors may include but are not limited to - question design, sampling method, response rate, size of sample, margin of error, pitfalls, usefulness; evidence is required for a minimum of three factors.

3.2 Numerical data from the poll is interpreted in terms of its use for writing a news story and the possibilities for its inclusion in the news story are analysed.

3.3 News story is written, using the interpreted numerical data from the poll, in accordance with the publishable standard.

3.4 News story is corrected in accordance with the publishable standard and filed to meet training establishment practices.

Outcome 4

Demonstrate knowledge of infographics and write instructions for an editorial graphic artist to produce an infographic for a news story.

Evidence requirements

4.1 Different types of infographics are identified in accordance with the industry text and are explained in terms of their use in news reporting.

Range - Types of infographics may include but are not limited to - line graphs, bar charts, pie charts, flow charts; evidence is required for a minimum of three infographics.

4.2 Possibilities for infographics are reviewed and selected for inclusion in a news story.

4.3 Instructions are written for an editorial graphic artist to prepare an infographic, which meets the publishable standard, to accompany a news story.

Range - Instructions include - specifying purpose, use, and display of an infographic
Learning and Teaching Resource: Teaching and Learning Resources:

Course workbook
Listed specific texts/library books
Internet references
Manuals/standards documents
Regulations

A full set of resources will be issued for this module including printed course work and assessment materials. Additionally students will be encouraged to use the library and other resources that can be accessed at Wintec.
Learning Outcomes: This unit standard is intended for people studying journalism in an off-job situation.

People credited with this unit standard are able to: interpret numerical data from a financial report and use it to write a news story; interpret NZ Tier 1 statistical data from the Statistics New Zealand website and use it to write a news story; interpret numerical data from the result of an opinion poll and use it to write a news story; and demonstrate knowledge of infographics and write instructions for an editorial graphic artist to produce an infographic for a news story.