University of Tasmania, Australia

Technology and the Implementation of the Statistics and Probability Component of the National Mathematics Curriculum

Statistics and Probability constitute one of three strands of the National Mathematics Curriculum in Australia, to be trialled in 2010 and implemented in 2011. In preparing the curriculum to be meaningful for the 21st century, ACARA acknowledges that the presence of technology will be important for its implementation. ACARA, however, has forbidden the mention of particular technologies or software in the official curriculum statements. These directions provide the opportunity for research on software to enhance understanding of the Statistics and Probability part of the curriculum, especially at Years 11 and 12. Research into the use of Computer Algebra Systems (CAS) on hand-held devices is taking place around the world but little is happening in Statistics. The statistical software, Fathom, is well-suited to enhancing the curriculum as anticipated in Years 11 and 12, and classroom research with students and teachers will be welcomed as schools come to terms with the new material expected to be mastered by teachers. Key Curriculum Press, publisher of Fathom, has been an Industry Partner with UTAS in the past, providing its software to schools, and it can be expected to continue to do so. A variety of research methods will be appropriate to the research, depending on the background of the PhD candidate but working closely with students and teachers will be a feature that would suit those interested in students’ development of understanding of the big ideas in the Statistics and Probability curriculum.
[This project could be refigured for the Middle School level with the use of the software,TinkerPlots, also published by Key Curriculum Press.]

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