Community Based Problems as a Means to Understand Statistics

This article examines the way in which 9(th) graders learn about and come to understand data distribution and the related statistical notions of center and spread measures. It is based on a study in which the students in question identified and then collaboratively addressed problems affecting their community. Using two sample groups, the students examined how the existing socioeconomic structure of their community affects nutrition. From the data gathered I find that cooperatively defining and working on a problem that is culturally relevant and meaningful to the students aids their comprehension and recognition of data distribution and its measures.