MA-445 Statistics for Secondary School Teachers (Autumn 2026)

On successful completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• have in-depth knowledge of basic concepts in descriptive statistics
• master basic probability calculations with expectation values
• master basic statistical methods to analyse one and two random samples
• evaluate and interpret different estimation methods
• analyse and interpret binomial data
• have insight into the background of statistical methods
• have insight into important techniques for data collection
• evaluate the relevance of methods and interpret results in the light of this and thus show a reflected attitude towards the use of statistics in society
• have insight into what uncertainty means
• can build, estimate, calculate and interpret simple, linear regression models to look at the relationship between two data sets
• can use school relevant statistical tools from GeoGebra and Excel
• be able to plan, conduct and present statistical surveys relevant to Secondary School
• understand mathematics education studies with relevance to Secondary School, which are formulated scientifically and where quantitative methods are used

The course is based on the students' basic knowledge of descriptive statistics and probability calculations. An introduction to more advanced statistical techniques and methods is provided. The emphasis is on a deeper understanding of statistical methods. Students gain experience in the use and interpretation of data analysis, which includes simple use of statistical software. The students' awareness of their relationship to data collection and interpretation of statistics is central and includes studies of research articles as well as statistical research relevant to Secondary School.

The subject in practiceDuring the 5 days in teaching practice, it will be arranged for the student to gain experience with the use of various teaching resources in mathematics and student-active teaching methods.

Joint teaching, work in small groups, compulsory assignments, oral presentations. Compulsory presentation of project. Digital software is used where appropriate.

The course demands minimum 70% compulsory attendance of the teaching for the teacher education students. Other students have compulsory work that can be done either by physical attendance or by submitted assignments. Further specifications about these assignments will be given at the start of the course.

The course has an expected scope of work of 267 hours.

It is included 5 days practice for the teacher education students. This is a preparation for the teaching practice in the 8th semester. Other students will perform a didactic work of similar scope as practice.

The teacher education students

• apporved attendance
• approved required presentation and assignments. (see Canvas for more information)
• approved practice

Other students

• approved required presentation and assignments. (see Canvas for more information)
• approved didactic work of similar scope as practice

6-hour written eksamination counts for 80 %. Graded assessment.

Project assignment in groups related to the implementation of a statistical survey. Graded assignement.