This paper is from Session 8A: Research on developing students’ statistical reasoning in primary and middle school

which comes under Topic 8: Research in statistics education

Other papers under session 8A ... 8A2: How students’ spontaneous use of statistical tools shapes their... 8A3: Emergence of reasoning about sampling among young students in the... 8A4: Developing statistical reasoning facilitated by TinkerPlots

(Monday 12th, 14:00-16:00)

Developing primary students’ ability to pose questions in statistical investigations

Presenter

• Sue Allmond (University of Queensland, Australia)

Co-author

• Katie Makar (The University of Queensland, Australia)

Abstract

How do children develop their own questions to investigate in statistics? Often in school, teachers just give children questions to respond to, but rarely ask them to generate a question that they want to investigate. To write their own statistical questions, students need to envisage the processes and purpose of a statistical investigation. Curriculum documents in many countries have begun to recognise the benefits and importance of children developing their own questions, however little is known about children’s development in this area. This exploratory study aims to understand ways that 9 year old children can more confidently construct relevant and reasonable questions that can be answered with a statistical investigation. Results suggest that by using frameworks and peer negotiation to guide their experiences, students improve their ability to write purposeful investigative questions with richer statistical intent.

Other papers under session 8A ... 8A2: How students’ spontaneous use of statistical tools shapes their... 8A3: Emergence of reasoning about sampling among young students in the... 8A4: Developing statistical reasoning facilitated by TinkerPlots