This paper is from Session 2F: Making connections between educational research and teaching statistics at the school level

which comes under Topic 2: Statistics education at the school level

Other papers under session 2F ... 2F2: Helping teachers to make effective use of real-world examples in... 2F3: Exploring relations of Vitruvian Man to develop students’ reasoning... 2F4: Researchers cultivating a long-term relationship with schools

(Tuesday 13th, 14:00-16:00)

Teacher knowledge and confidence in grade 8 and 9 data handling and probability

Presenter

• Helena Wessels (University of Stellenbosch, South Africa)

Co-author

• Hercules Nieuwoudt (North West University, South Africa)

Abstract

This research reports on the profiling of teachers with regard to statistical knowledge, beliefs and confidence to inform the development of a professional development course for Grade 8 and 9 teachers. Poor TIMMS results and continuing disappointing mathematics results over the whole spectrum in South Africa necessitate more efficient professional development of in-service teachers. Watson’s profiling instrument (2001) was adapted and used to profile 90 mathematics teachers in Pretoria, South Africa. Although quite a number of these teachers attended professional development workshops and courses in statistics, they still teach traditionally, as opposed to a data driven approach using authentic data. Almost all teachers indicated high levels of confidence in teaching statistics but show low levels of statistical thinking when applying their knowledge in context.

Other papers under session 2F ... 2F2: Helping teachers to make effective use of real-world examples in... 2F3: Exploring relations of Vitruvian Man to develop students’ reasoning... 2F4: Researchers cultivating a long-term relationship with schools