TY - CHAP
T1 - Developing a Modelling Approach to Probability Using Computer-Based Simulations
AU - Prodromou, Theodosia
PY - 2014
Y1 - 2014
N2 - The introduction of digital technology into secondary schools is ideally suited for supporting students as they manipulate and portray data in a range of different representations to draw inferences from it without relying on a classical understanding of probability theory. As a result, probability is overlooked from school curricula and is gradually becoming almost a non-existent topic. The aim of recent curricula (e.g. ACARA 2010) to support the parallel development of statistics and probability and then progressively build the links between them seems utopic since statistics prevails over probability in mathematics curricula. In this chapter, it is argued that it is worthwhile to consider an alternative approach for teaching probability - presenting probability as a modelling tool, which reflects the mindset of an expert when using probability to model random behaviour in real-world contexts. This chapter discusses results from two recent research studies (Prodromou 2008, 2012) that investigated middle school students' understanding of probability as a modelling tool. Within this chapter, the students' reasoning will be considered from different perspectives: 1. How students articulated fundamental probabilistic concepts associated with the construction of univariate probability models when using probability to model random behaviour. 2. Students' discussion as they engaged in exploring recently developed computer-based simulations which treat probability as a modelling tool.
AB - The introduction of digital technology into secondary schools is ideally suited for supporting students as they manipulate and portray data in a range of different representations to draw inferences from it without relying on a classical understanding of probability theory. As a result, probability is overlooked from school curricula and is gradually becoming almost a non-existent topic. The aim of recent curricula (e.g. ACARA 2010) to support the parallel development of statistics and probability and then progressively build the links between them seems utopic since statistics prevails over probability in mathematics curricula. In this chapter, it is argued that it is worthwhile to consider an alternative approach for teaching probability - presenting probability as a modelling tool, which reflects the mindset of an expert when using probability to model random behaviour in real-world contexts. This chapter discusses results from two recent research studies (Prodromou 2008, 2012) that investigated middle school students' understanding of probability as a modelling tool. Within this chapter, the students' reasoning will be considered from different perspectives: 1. How students articulated fundamental probabilistic concepts associated with the construction of univariate probability models when using probability to model random behaviour. 2. Students' discussion as they engaged in exploring recently developed computer-based simulations which treat probability as a modelling tool.
KW - Curriculum and Pedagogy
KW - Mathematics and Numeracy Curriculum and Pedagogy
KW - Curriculum and Pedagogy Theory and Development
U2 - 10.1007/978-94-007-7155-0_22
DO - 10.1007/978-94-007-7155-0_22
M3 - Chapter
SN - 9789400771543
SN - 9789400771550
T3 - Advances in Mathematics Education
SP - 417
EP - 439
BT - Probabilistic Thinking: Presenting Plural Perspectives
A2 - J Chernoff, Egan
A2 - Sriraman, Bharath
PB - Springer
CY - Dordrecht, Netherlands
ER -