Ensino e aprendizagem de investigações estatísticas: Dois estudos de caso com futuras professoras

Abstract

Statistical investigations allow students to understand how knowledge is constructed using a statistical approach and provides opportunities for learning concepts and statistical representations. Based in two case studies of prospective teachers (grades 1–6), we analyze their perspectives on statistical investigations as teaching and learning activities and how they conduct a statistical investigation in the classroom. Data were collected from the observation of statistical investigations carried out in class, written reports of statistical investigations, questionnaires, and interviews. The results show that the prospective teachers have difficulty in conducting statistical investigations in order to develop students’ understanding, critical stance and autonomy to carry out the statistical cycle, mainly because they look at this activity as a sequence of techniques to be applied. This suggests that teacher education programs must pay attention to understanding of the investigation process as well as to what is involved in teaching concepts through statistical investigations, in which an important role has to be played by the regular subjects of the program as well as by the practicum.