Page 11 - THE MATHMATE November 2024

Measures of Center

Bridget Coleman
Walker Seymour

Abstract
Content related to measures of center traditionally begins in middle grades mathematics curriculum.
Teaching the content in context can provide opportunities for students to interact in relevant, engaging
activities. This article shares student-focused ideas for connecting typical measures of central tendency
through authentic applications.

Introduction Carolina College and Career Ready Mathematics
Statistical methods are useful tools in analyzing Standards, students learn to calculate and
the massive amounts of data available at our interpret range and mode in fifth grade. Sixth
fingertips. Considering measures of central grade content extends further in interpreting
tendency helps us be good consumers of statistical elements including typical measures of
information. Finding the most typical values in a center. Progressively, seventh grade and eighth
data set helps us gain more insights about the set. grade work with multiple data sets in more
Analyzing the mean, median, and mode helps us complex analysis including interquartile ranges.
interpret where typical values lie and how the data Ninth grade geometry has a statistical focus. The
is centered. Being caught up in the procedure of Indicator Insights (SC CCRMS, 2023) emphasize
finding the measures, students often miss the that data should be examined in context.
importance of interpreting what the measures tell According to the National Council of Teachers of
us about the data set. Beyond the calculations is Mathematics (2014), students are empowered by
the nature of what each measure can reveal about authentic applications. Providing real-life
a data set and why one measure may be more applications gives context to the content and
pertinent during analysis for specific purposes. makes it more meaningful for students. Critical
The mean or average is a popular element to thinking is also enhanced and gives students a
consider because it is representative of every reason to think more deeply. The Association for
element in the set. The mean alone, however, only Middle Level Education (AMLE) Successful
gives us part of the story that inferential statistics Middle Schools (Bishop & Harrison, 2021)
can tell. Circumstances within the data set may promotes education that is responsive,
determine which measure is most appropriate. challenging, empowering, equitable, and
Certain measures may be more pertinent based engaging as best serving the needs of students in
on how the information is being utilized. the middle grades. An integrative curriculum
contributes to effective teaching and learning.
Content related to measures of center traditionally
begins in the middle grades mathematics Using topics of interest to your students cultivates
curriculum. In the newly released 2023 South an environment suited for collaboration and

Scctm The MathMate 11 Volume 44/Number 1 October 2024