From Data to Functions: Connecting Modelling Competencies and Statistical Literacy

Abstract

Over the last two decades, research on learning and teaching mathematical applications greatly advanced our understanding of the processes involved in mathematical modelling. However, the vast majority of examples and concepts developed so far barely include a key source of information: data. Numerical information generated from measurements of the quantities involved is used neither at the validation nor at the modelling step. We adopt a data-oriented approach. In the context of modelling functional relationships, we look at the relationship between modelling competencies and statistical literacy and provide empirical evidence that proficiency in these areas can be jointly improved.