On being data detectives: Developing novice statisticians using the statistical enquiry cycle

Statistical investigations, a thread within the statistics strand of the mathematics and statistics learning area (Ministry of Education, 2007), are underpinned by the statistical enquiry cycle. As teachers introduce their students to the statistical enquiry cycle, they are supporting their students to become data detectives, posing and answering investigative questions using data. The statistical enquiry cycle in New Zealand schools is based on the PPDAC model. This article explores the PPDAC model in more detail and emphasises key elements for teaching and learning based on local research.