This paper is from Session 2F: Perspectives on statistics education with a focus in primary schools
which comes under Topic 2: Statistics education at the school level
Paper 2F1 (Monday 9th, 16:00-17:30)
Is data a quantitative thing? An analysis of the concept of the mode in textbooks for grade 4-6
Presenter
- Karin Landtblom (University of Stockholm, Sweden)
Abstract
This paper presents analyses of seven popular Swedish textbooks for grades 4-6 examined for their presentation of statistics, focusing on average mode. Since textbooks in mathematics have great impact on both teaching and content in Swedish classrooms, it is of interest to examine both definitions and tasks. Tasks and definitions were analysed to identify quantitative or qualitative context. Tasks were also analysed whether they evoke procedural or conceptual knowledge. Findings suggest an excess of quantitative data in the context of the tasks and definitions, which may be a consequence of the ambiguity of vocabulary used. Findings also show an overwhelming focus on procedural knowledge and, in some cases, doubtful use of levels of measure in the tasks. These findings have implications for future understanding.