STIMULATING STATISTICAL THINKING THROUGH SITUATED SIMULATIONS

Literacy and informed decision making in an uncertain world require th e ability to reason statistically. However, research indicates that, a lthough conceptions of statistics and probability have steadily advanc ed within scientific and mathematical communities, adults in mainstrea m American society cannot think probabilistically or statistically abo ut important societal issues. This problem is addressed through implem entation and evaluation of a novel statistics course for students who are teachers or are considering a career in teaching. The course is de signed to help students use statistical concepts as tools for social r easoning within simulations of real-world problem situations. The cour se is unique because of its connections with the community and its com mitment to achieving a high degree of authenticity through simulations of realistic social problem solving.