What do Mathematics Textbooks Propose for Sampling learning?

Abstract

The teaching and learning of Statistics in middle school has been receiving more attention in recent years. In this perspective, the new Brazilian curricular document – National Common Curricular Base (BNCC) emphasizes the importance of students developing skills concerning the conduct of statistical research in contexts of social relevance to allow well-founded judgments for decision making. One of the concepts that make research possible is sampling. Considering that the textbook is the resource most used by teachers, this study aims to analyze how Middle-School Mathematics textbooks propose activities for sampling learning. We analyzed all eleven collections approved by the 2020 issue of the National Textbook Program (PNLD). We pointed out an uneven distribution of activities between the volumes (6th and 9th grade), excessive use of fictitious data, and the identification of the population/sample in situations linked to people. We also highlight the absence of a discussion on variability, specifically the one related to representativeness and sample size. Therefore, we hope that the results evidenced in this study can contribute to the reflection and possible improvements of textbooks and for the necessary complementation of teachers with regard to learning about sampling.

Keywords
Statistical Education; Research; Sampling; Textbooks; Middle School