The COVID-19 Crisis as a Challenge for the Integration of Statistical and Citizenship Education

Abstract

The COVID-19 crisis has shown how fundamentally important it is to weigh up risks and probabilities on the basis of statistical data for shaping social coexistence. A vibrant democracy that wants to prove resilient to expertocratic strategies of rule needs citizens who take part in public deliberations and intervene in political affairs. However, without a basic understanding of statistical concepts, it is difficult to follow media coverage of the pandemic and policy actions taken, let alone intervene in political processes. It is therefore necessary to link statistical and citizenship education. We present our concept of a joint course for mathematics and political science students preparing to be secondary teachers that is currently given at Ludwigsburg University of Education (Germany). Empirical results are forthcoming.