Två synsätt på elevers lärande av ämnet statistik : En studie av elever i årskurs 7

Sammanfattning: The purpose of this paper is to create increased understanding of how pupils learn statistics. This includes gaining insight into pupils' use of their own experience and group experience to help to get a better understanding of statistical problem solving. The study's research questions are about how pupils learn to work with data in tables and diagram and how pupils learn to work with measures. The theoretical framework consists of two approaches to studying learning. One approach is based on pupils’ cognitive conditions, called set-befores, and the pupils' previous experiences, called met-befores. The second starting point is the pragmatic mindset that focuses on the language game – how pupils learn during meetings between pupils and between pupils and teachers. The survey was conducted by using structured observations of pupils' statistical problem solving and the discourse that went on in the classroom. The one teacher and the teacher's pupils were observed during six sessions with small groups of Year 7 pupils, who in turn were part of two larger groups. The result showed that pupils were able to identify, understand and interpret statistical data by seeing patterns, similarities and differences. The participants' learning was affected by the language they used. Pupils were able to recreate images using reflective thought experiments during the meetings. The discussions helped the participants to get started with their thoughts and to give those thoughts some structure in developing and understanding the relationships between different diagrams. The teacher and the group helped the pupils to learn to interpret data while working. It made it easier if pupils to used the correct words when pupils had to argue. Proper use of words from the statistical register, when pupils worked with measures of center, also helped the pupils to develop cognitively. The pupils who could use the statistical register also became easier understood and respected by the group.