Investigative activities for statistics learning with 1st grade Portuguese students

Abstract

The relevance of data exploration in mathematics programmes at all levels of education led us to develop a learning experience with 1st grade students with the aim of investigating the contribution of investigative activities in the learning of statistics. To achieve this objective, the following research questions were outlined: How do students implement investigative activities when learning statistics? What difficulties do students have in carrying out investigative activities when learning statistics? Adopting a qualitative and interpretative approach, data were collected through students’ written records, the reflections of the teacher, and a written test applied before and after the learning experience. The results obtained suggest that students were able to carry out investigative activities when learning statistics although with some weaknesses, namely defining the topic and research questions, and analysing the data due to the greater complexity of the research proposed by them. Students were able to formulate conclusions, although in some groups the conclusions were underdeveloped. Students were most confident in data collection, organization, and representation activities, with limitations typical of their young age (e.g., written communication). Students also showed difficulties in managing group work and knowledge of statistics, notably concerning strategies of data organization and representation and statistical measures.