Key factors affecting statistical literacy in mathematics education: Insights from students and lecturers

The importance of statistics in everyday life and the world of work has prompted educational institutions to increase their focus on statistical literacy. Statistical literacy has also been described as an essential learning outcome in learning statistics in higher education, including in mathematics education study programs. This study aimed to reveal the key factors influencing the statistical literacy skills of mathematics education students in Indonesia. A qualitative phenomenological approach was adopted, involving lecturers and students from mathematics education study programs nationwide as research participants. A total of 36 participants, consisting of nine lecturers and 27 students, were interviewed online using a semi-structured format. This study identified four main themes that influence the statistical literacy skills of mathematics education students: internal student factors, learning strategies or methods, supporting infrastructure factors, and other contextual factors, such as the limited number of credits allocated to statistics courses and the competence of lecturers in teaching statistical literacy. The findings and their implications for educational practice and policy are discussed.