What First Comes to Mind … with Basic Statistical Terms?
Ioannis Michalis1, Evanthis Chatzivasileiou2, Io Sakellariou3, Cristina Tsaliki4
1Primary Education, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece; 2Aristotle University of Thessaloniki; 3Aristotle University of Thessaloniki; 4Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

This paper focuses on what primary school teachers first think when they hear basic statistical terms (usually met in statistical investigation process) such as Statistics, Probabilities, Sample, Data, Collecting data, Analyzing data, Plotting data and Average, trying to comprehend the existing or dominant frames of reference. A sample of 102 in-service teachers responded to a written questionnaire where they were asked to mention what first comes to their minds when they meet or hear these terms. Analysis of the answers revealed quite interesting frames that include basic misconceptions, fragmentary views and also proper dominant references.

Keywords: Frames of reference; Statistical terms; Primary school teachers

Biography: I work in a primary school as a teacher (full job), while I am teaching (part time) at the University-Dpt of Primary Education (Statistics, Research Methodology). I have recently finished my Phd studies.

My research interests are: teaching statistics, research methodology, graph comprehension