This paper is from Session 8C: Making sense of risk

which comes under Topic 8: Research in statistics education

Other papers under session 8C ... 8C2: Conditions for risk assessment as a topic for probabilistic education 8C3: Exploring risk through simulation 8C4: Workshop: Tools for exploring ideas about risk

(Wednesday 14th, 11:00-13:00)

Teaching uncertainty and risk in mathematics and science

Presenter

• Phillip Kent (University of London, United Kingdom)

Co-authors

• Dave Pratt (University of London, United Kingdom)
• Ralph Levinson (University of London, United Kingdom)
• Cristina Yogui (University of London, United Kingdom)
• Ramesh Kapadia (University of London, United Kingdom)

Abstract

We are investigating how secondary teachers make sense of the concept of risk, how it figures in their teaching, and what possibilities exist when a cross-curricular and technology-enhanced approach is taken. We have developed decision-making scenarios for socio-scientific topics that involve modelling with personal value systems alongside strictly quantifiable mathematical models. Precise models are limited and may be hedged around with judgements about authority and validity, whilst value judgements are generally weakly-quantifiable. Nevertheless coming to a decision requires the weighing of these diverse forms of information, each having some associated estimation (not necessarily numerical) of ‘risk’. Going beyond the idea of risk in statistical theory, we are trying to understand how personal values and models influence thinking about risk and the process of decision-making, and the implications of this for classroom practice

Other papers under session 8C ... 8C2: Conditions for risk assessment as a topic for probabilistic education 8C3: Exploring risk through simulation 8C4: Workshop: Tools for exploring ideas about risk