This paper is from Session 7B: Statistical literacy requirements for teachers

which comes under Topic 7: Statistical literacy in the wider society

Developing statistical knowledge for teaching of variability through professional development

Presenter

• Helena Wessels (University of Stellenbosch, South Africa)

Abstract

This paper reports on a professional development programme focusing on statistical literacy, more specifically the development of in-service teachers’ awareness of and reasoning about variability in multiple trials under uncertainty, and their ability to transfer their understandings to related tasks. Variability and uncertainty are key concepts in statistics, but are under-emphasised in many school curricula. These topics formed part of the focus of the intervention. Analysis of post intervention tasks revealed a growth in teachers’ levels of reasoning about variability and their ability to transfer these competencies to related tasks. The results emphasise the value of well-designed learning experiences and rich discussions in teacher professional development programmes in statistical literacy.