A framework for the effective delivery of Online professional development in statistics Education

Abstract

This article presents the pedagogical framework underlying the design of EarlyStatistics, a European Union funded program that aims to enhance the quality of statistics education offered in European elementary and middle schools by facilitating intercultural professional development of teachers using exemplary web-based educational tools and resources. The program adopts best practices in statistics education, adult education, and distance learning. Its development is guided by the Effective Learning Environment Framework (NRC, 2000), a research-based theoretical framework that identifies the components which are essential for the establishment of an effective learning environment. The distance learning environment is carefully designed to respect the tenets of the Effective Learning Environment framework: learner centeredness, community centeredness, knowledge centeredness, and assessment centeredness.