A Theoretical Framework for Interdisciplinary Instructional Design Targeting Statistical Reasoning
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71204/as5s4879Keywords:
Interdisciplinary Teaching, Statistical Reasoning(SR), Project-Based Learning (PBL), Primary EducationAbstract
In the digital age, statistical reasoning (SR) is a core literacy for citizens navigating an information society. However, primary school statistics instruction has been striving to address the fragmented development of SR, disconnect between context and real life, and lack of wholeness in statistical activities. To bridge these gaps, this study proposes a novel interdisciplinary Project-Based Learning (PBL) framework grounded in Jones's four-dimensional SR model. Theoretically designed around the theme "Data-Driven Low-Carbon Action," the framework features a dual-path structure: "Longitudinal Competency Progression" (a sequenced progression through the four dimensions of Statistical Reasoning (SR), namely Describing Data Displays (D), Organizing and Reducing Data (O), Representing Data (R), and Analyzing and Interpreting Data (A)); combined with "Horizontal Disciplinary Collaboration" (integrating knowledge and practices from Mathematics, Science, Information Technology, and Chinese Language Arts). Driven by a genuine societal issue, this integrated structure aims to systematically address all dimensions of SR through a "Problem → Task → Product" spiral progression, enabling students to conceptually participate in the complete PPDAC cycle (Problem, Plan, Data, Analysis, Conclusion). This proposed framework offers a structured approach for fostering the synergistic development of students' scientific inquiry, digital innovation, language application, and SR, providing a theoretically grounded and replicable model for interdisciplinary thematic teaching design.
References
Biggs, J. B., & Collis, K. F. (1991). Multimodal learning and intelligent behavior. In H. Rowe (Ed.), Intelligence: Reconceptualization and measurement (pp. 57–76). Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc.
English, L. D., & Watson, J. M. (2015). Exploring variation in measurement as a foundation for statistical thinking in the elementary school. International Journal of STEM Education, 2(1), 3.
Friedrich, A., Schreiter, S., Vogel, M., Becker-Genschow, S., Brünken, R., Kuhn, J., ... & Malone, S. (2024). What shapes statistical and data literacy research in K-12 STEM education? A systematic review of metrics and instructional strategies. International Journal of STEM Education, 11(1), 58.
Gao, X. (2020). The Construction of Teaching Mode Focusing on the Cultivation of Statistical Reasoning for Elementary School Students——Take Grade 6 students in S school as an example [Doctoral dissertation, East China Normal University].https://link.cnki.net/doi/10.27149/d.cnki.ghdsu.2020.000191doi:10.27149/d.cnki.ghdsu.2020.000191.
Gibbons, M., Limoges, C., Scott, P., Schwartzman, S., & Nowotny, H. (1994). The new production of knowledge: The dynamics of science and research in contemporary societies. Sage Publications.
Guo, H., & Yuan, Y. (2023). Basic types and implementation key points of interdisciplinary thematic learning. Primary and Middle School Management, (5), 10–13.
He, W. (2013). Research on Cognitive Development of Statistical in12–15 Years Old [Doctoral dissertation, Hangzhou Normal University].https://kns.cnki.net/kcms2/article/abstract?v=FqAfUZ3F7bafeNF3PYhkI4bQ3Y3-w7f89Gcdw224dQ7xA2wfZJhydQe_FyZ68n2-P7nrYCB-cyZMdwbhSFsPhBTbKlgQFksY8KjBYIRzDc93s0r7Iy7uzl8WMudUJBc7Ag5GZIjxBa-dWKrn6OEiJOXQcijaVa3xiehoOHwIaXX5KavmZ-f5mg==&uniplatform=NZKPT&language=CHS
Halawa, S., Lin, T. C., & Hsu, Y. S. (2024). Exploring instructional design in K-12 STEM education: a systematic literature review. International Journal of STEM Education, 11(1), 43.
Jones, G. A., Thornton, C. A., Langrall, C. W., Mooney, E. S., Perry, B., & Putt, I. J. (2000). A framework for characterizing children's statistical thinking. Mathematical thinking and learning, 2(4), 269-307.
Liu, X. (2020). The Value and Its Realization Path of Primary-School Statistical Education.Theory and Practice of Education, 40(32), 62-64.
Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China. (2022). Mathematics curriculum standards for compulsory education (2022 ed.). Beijing Normal University Press.
Pan, Y., Li, Y., Xu, W., Liu, W., Liu B., & Chen, X. (2022). Topics,Trends and Enlightenment of International Research in Statistics Education——Review of International Handbook of Research in Statistics Education. Journal of Mathematics Education, 31(5), 82–89.
Vahey, P. , Rafanan, K. , Patton, C. , Swan, K. , Mark van ’t Hooft, & Kratcoski, A. , et al. (2012). A cross-disciplinary approach to teaching data literacy and proportionality. Educational Studies in Mathematics, 81(2), 179-205.
Wagner, T. (2010). The global achievement gap: Why even our best schools don't teach the new survival skills our children need-and what we can do about it. ReadHowYouWant. Com.
Watson, J., & Callingham, R. (2003). Statistical literacy: A complex hierarchical construct. Statistics Education Research Journal, 2(2), 3-46.
Xia, X. (2022). Inter-subject Project-based Learning:Definition,Design Logic,and Practical Prototype. Curriculum, Teaching Material and Method, 42(10), 78–84.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Yutong Wang, Qi Shen (Author)

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
All articles published in this journal are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0). This license permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author(s) and source are properly credited. Authors retain copyright of their work, and readers are free to copy, share, adapt, and build upon the material for any purpose, including commercial use, as long as appropriate attribution is given.