Statistical Literacy in the Primary School: Beginning Inference

Across all walks of life, the need to understand and apply statistical literacy is paramount. Residing in an age of information explosion, young students more than ever need to reason and deal critically with data. This proposed 3-year longitudinal study will introduce a new and innovative approach to developing statistical literacy in the primary school years, with a focus on beginning inference. Adopting a design experiment approach, this timely study will be implemented across two Australian states. It will generate theory explaining children’s development of statistical literacy, produce innovative curriculum resources, and provide a strong research community for PhD students. Australia is committed to building a stronger foundation for school mathematics and science.

This project will introduce primary school students to beginning inference, a core component of statistical literacy and an increasingly important life skill. Foundations for secondary mathematics study and productive societal participation will be laid.