A Design-Based Research Approach to Improving Statistics and Probability Teaching and Learning

Music City Center 

The GAISE reports describe four phases of a statistical investigation: formulate a question(s) that can be answered with data, collect data, analyze data, and interpret the results of those analyses in the appropriate context. We have found that mathematics teachers almost always involve students in data analysis during statistics lessons. Yet, fewer than half of those lessons involve students in producing the data, and students are rarely involved in formulating questions or interpreting the results of data analyses.

The STEPSS program is a replacement unit designed to lessen the divide between the official curriculum and the enacted curriculum. Replacement units have two components: curriculum materials and teacher professional development. An experimental trial of STEPSS found that it improved statistics instruction and increased student understanding of statistics and probability. A replication study of STEPSS is underway.

Using a Design-Based Research methodology, the presentation will describe key components of the STEPSS program, provide the rationale for their inclusion, and discuss the program modifications that were made in preparation for the replication study.

statistics education

curriculum

randomized controlled trial

teacher education

design experiment

replacement unit 

Section on Statistics and Data Science Education