Analysis of Formative and Evaluative Activities on Statistical Graphs in Textbooks for Chilean Rural Multigrade...

Area of Science:

• Education
• Statistics
• Curriculum Development

Background:

• Multigrade education in rural Chile presents unique pedagogical challenges.
• Statistical graph interpretation is a key component of mathematical literacy.
• Analysis of current educational materials is crucial for curriculum enhancement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze formative and evaluative activities related to statistical graphs in Chilean rural multigrade primary education textbooks.
• To identify the types of graphs, tasks, and contexts prevalent in these educational materials.
• To assess the semiotic and reading levels of statistical graph activities.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative methodology with a descriptive approach.
• Content analysis technique applied to primary education textbooks.
• Sample comprised six textbooks distributed by the Ministry of Education for rural multigrade schools.

Main Results:

• Bar charts were the predominant graph type, with a focus on calculation tasks and personal contexts.
• Semiotic level 3 was common across formative and evaluative activities.
• Reading levels differed: level 4 predominated in formative activities, while level 2 was more common in evaluative activities.

Conclusions:

• Current textbooks predominantly feature basic statistical graph activities, often focusing on calculation rather than interpretation.
• There is a significant gap between the graphs presented in textbooks and those recommended by national curricular guidelines.
• Recommendations include integrating recommended graph types and developing evaluative activities that promote critical reflection on data, context, representation, and conclusions.