The effect of project based learning approach on the statistical literacy levels and attitude towards statistics of student

In this study the effect of project-based learning approach on students' statistical literacy levels and their attitudes towards statistics was observed. Fort this purpose a scale of a attitude directed to statistics and a test for statistical literacy were developed. The test is formed with 69 questions with six component. In data analysis the criteria prepared for these questions were used. This research was performed in 2011?2012 Education Year Fall Term in Ayfer Karakullukçu Primary School in Trabzon. In this study pretest-final test design with a control group of experimental research method was adopted seventy students participated 35 of whom were in experimental group, 35 of whom were in control group. The lessons were planned in accordance with the project-based learning approach for the experimental group and for the control group traditinal teaching method were used. Rasch partial credit model was used in the analysis of data which was obtained from measuring tools. With this aim WINSTEPS 3.72 modeling program was used. The raw scores from tests by transforming into linear scores, frequency, beside the distribution dependent t test, independent t test and ANCOVA analysis were performed. Also clinical interviews were conducted with six students from the experimental group students. Clinical interview data, in order to determine the change and development of students in the process of projectbased learning, was examined and interpreted using the comparative analysis method. According to information obtained as a result of research, between the experimental group students in project-based learning approach and the control group in traditional teaching method, it is concluded that there was a significant difference in favor of the experimental group in terms of statistical literacy levels and attitudes toward statistics. Based on the results, a number of suggestions were made for the researchers and educators. Keywords: Statistical Literacy, Attitude Towards Statistics, Project Based Learning Approach, Primary School Students