Enhancing statistical literacy

Abstract

Current secondary school statistics curricula focus on procedural knowledge and pay too little attention to statistical reasoning. As a result, students are not able to apply their knowledge to practice. In addition, education often targets the average student, which may lead to gifted students missing challenge. This study explored ways to enhance grade 8 (Pre-University level) students’ statistical literacy through within-class differentiation. The developed course materials consisted of a differentiated module in the Digital Mathematics Environment (DME), combined with investigation activities during classroom sessions. The material focused on statistical reasoning using visual representations made with TinkerPlots. We concluded that this teaching arrangement indeed increased students’ statistical literacy.