Developing Thinking in Statistics
- Alan Graham - The Open University
Statistics is a key area of the school mathematics curriculum where maths and the real world meet. Although potentially a subject where teaching can be motivating and relevant to everyday concerns, it is often seen as boring and involving largely mechanical calculations.
This book will enable teachers and others interested in statistical thinking to become excited and inspired by the big ideas of statistics and, in turn, teach them enthusiastically learners.
Designed to heighten awareness of statistical ideas, the book explores key themes within statistics using ideas developed by the influential team at The Open University's Centre for Mathematics Education. Themes include:
· Measurement
· Variation
· Randomness
· Uncertainty
Arranged in an accessible task-based format, this is an essential text for all secondary maths teachers and students of maths education. It is a comprehensive book that will illuminate and inspire interest in the subject, based on innovative use of ICT, engaging narrative, firm research and good practice.
Developing Thinking in Statistics is a set book on the Open University Course ME626 Developing Statistical Thinking, part of the Graduate Diploma in Mathematics Education.
'This book should prove to be an important addition to the relatively few publications that exist on statistical thinking. It very nicely encourages the reader to take an active learning approach through simultaneously promoting pedagogy with knowledge and skills enhancement in statistics. Understanding what the subject is for and what it can do are crucial in statistical education - by getting the reader to think statistically Mr Graham has provided us with a very readable book that helps to dispel the poor reputation that statistics has acquired over many years' - Professor Neville Davies, Director, Royal Statistical Society Centre for Statistical Education, Nottingham Trent University
"College-level students of statistics will appreciate this guide for both teachers and students alike, which is aimed to both, exploring key themes in statistics using approaches cultivated by the Open University's Centre for Mathematics education. From themes of measurement and uncertainty to reinforcing tasks relating to common usage, DEVELOPING THINKING IN STATISTICS comes packed with examples, tasks, diagrams, charts and more."
"Statistics is a key area of school math that directly relates calculations to the real world- yet too often it isn't given enough real-world connections. Alan Graham recharges the excitement potential of statistical forces, offering teachers chapters that are designed to reinforce statistical ideas and approaches. From measurement and variation to randomness, tasks present exciting applications for secondary math teachers and students and promises a wide readership in its paperback edition, deserving of ongoing recommendation."
This book provides a detailed introduction to statistics. It is easy to follow and understand, providing an active learning approach whilst simultaneously promoting pedagogy with knowledge and skills enhancement in statistics.
This text although intended for primary practitioners and students, it is more suited to students and trainees in KS3 and beyond. Its contents although partly relevant to the primary phase, the bulk of the book caters for secondary maths teachers and students of general maths education. The four chapters making reference to the use of ICT were very interesting and informative. I would recommend this text as supplemental reading for anyone interested in primary ITT maths courses.
Alan Graham's book is an excellent reader for student teachers and serving teachers about developing pupils' thinking about statistics. It is a well structured book with lots of useful ideas and a commentary at the back of the book about the activities. My only slight disquiet is that on every page headed 'Introduction to block ...' the print register of the explanatory text is very, very faint?
