Exploring Probability in School provides a new perspective into research on the teaching and learning of probability. It creates this perspective by recognizing and analysing the special challenges faced by teachers and learners in contemporary classrooms where probability has recently become a mainstream part of the curriculum from early childhood through high school. The authors of the book discuss the nature of probability, look at the meaning of probabilistic literacy, and examine student access to powerful ideas in probability during the elementary, middle, and high school years. Moreover, they assemble and analyse research-based pedagogical knowledge for teachers that can enhance the learning of probability throughout these school years. With the book’s rich application of probability research to classroom practice, it will not only be essential reading for researchers and graduate students involved in probability education; it will also capture the interest of educational policy makers, curriculum personnel, teacher educators, and teachers.
Author(s): Graham A. Jones
Edition: 1
Year: 2005
Language: English
Pages: 390
Contents......Page 6
Introduction......Page 18
Preface......Page 16
Section I Perspectives On Probability And Probability Education......Page 30
The Nature Of Chance And Probability......Page 32
Towards "Probability Literacy" for All Citizens: Building Blocks and
Instructional Dilemmas......Page 56
An Overview Of Research Into The Teaching And Learning Of Probability......Page 82
Section II Teaching And Learning Probability In The Elementary School......Page 110
Characteristics Of Elementary School Students' Probabilistic Reasoning......Page 112
Combinatorics and the Development of Children's Combinatorial Reasoning......Page 138
Section III Teaching And Learning Probability In The Middle School......Page 160
The Probabilistic Reasoning of Middle School Students......Page 162
How Do Teachers Foster Students' Understanding Of Probability?......Page 188
How Can Teachers Build Notions Of Conditional Probability And Independence?......Page 232
Section IV Teaching And Learning Probability In The High School......Page 256
What Is The Nature Of High School Students' Conceptions And Misconceptions About Probability?......Page 258
Probability And Statistical Inference: How Can Teachers Enable Learners To Make The Connection?......Page 284
Section V Teachers And Probability......Page 312
Teaching And Learning The Mathematization Of Uncertainty: Historical, Cultural, Social And Political Contexts......Page 314
Assessing Probabilistic Thinking And Reasoning......Page 342
Probability In Teacher Education And Development......Page 362
Reflections......Page 384
Name Index......Page 390
Subject Index......Page 398
