Lyn D. English|Jane Watson
Exploring variation in measurement as a foundation for statistical thinking in the elementary school
Queensland University of Technology|University of Tasmania
study based premise variation foundation statistics statistical investigations study followed development fourthgrade students understanding variation participation sequence two lessons based measurement first lesson students measured arm span one student revealing pathways students follow developing understanding variation linear measurement related research question 1 second lesson students arm span measured introducing different aspect variation students observe contrast second lesson students development ability compare representations two scenarios explain differences terms variation explored research question 2 students documentation workbook software formats enabled us monitor engagement identify increasing appreciation need observe represent contrast variation data following lessons written student assessment used judging retention understanding variation developed lessons degree transfer understanding different scenario research question 3 results based either application hierarchical solo model nonhierarchical clustering responses individual questions student workbooks students progress throughout lessons displayed wide range explanations estimate single students arm span general surprise variation measurements large variety handdrawn representations based values frequencies measurements many different representations also created software single student measurements comparison measurements two scenarios although students interpretations plots generally basic sophisticated results assessment indicated many students developed ability transfer appreciation variation another context could clearly explain meaning variation findings highlight importance early focus variation distribution meaningful activities motivate students conduct observe measurements together creating handdrawn software representations relate experiences