DIFICULDADES ENCONTRADAS POR DISCENTES DA EDUCAÇÃO BÁSICA NA COLETA DE DADOS, CÁLCULO E CLASSIFICAÇÃO DE ÍNDICE DE MASSA CORPORAL (IMC)

Abstract

This study, an excerpt from a master's dissertation, aims to analyze the difficulties encountered by high school students in relation to data collection, calculation, and classification of Body Mass Index (BMI). The research adopts a qualitative approach and involved the implementation of a sequence of activities in a high school class at a public school in the state of Alagoas, Brazil. Data analysis was conducted using content analysis, in the directed model, the categories are taken from already established theory, with the elements of Statistical Literacy being the theoretical basis adopted for the study in this particular case. The results indicate that the activities contributed to the development of skills associated with Statistical Literacy, such as data organization and the ability to apply relevant knowledge in carrying out the proposed tasks. However, conceptual weaknesses were observed, particularly in students’ critical interpretation of data and the application of statistical concepts in real-world contexts. Students also demonstrated difficulties in analyzing BMI, as many did not fully understand the limitations of this metric, and struggled with calculations and data interpretation. Thus, the results reinforce the need for a more in-depth and contextualized teaching of statistics in the school environment.

Keywords: Statistical Literacy. Activity Sequence. Body Mass Index.