Let’s Define Numeracy
Numeracy is defined as:
“the knowledge, skills, behaviours and dispositions that students need in order to use mathematics in a wide range of situations. It involves recognising and understanding the role of mathematics in the world and having the dispositions and capacities to use mathematical knowledge and skills purposefully.” Education and Training, Victoria State Government, 2022.
This explanation highlights the necessity of using Maths in conducting everyday activities. From simply calculating how much change you should receive when at the supermarket to calculating complex equations to determine a rocket ships trajectory.
Let’s break down each part of that explanation.
Numeracy: Knowledge
Knowledge of mathematics refers to understanding the 4 major operations: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division. Every maths concept after these is then understanding the order of operations (B.O.D.M.A.S), then fractions, algebra, calculus etc. These concepts are all based on the 4 Operations and which order you use them.
We call this the basic foundations of numeracy.
Numeracy: Skills
Maths is a nice, tidy subject as the answer is either correct or incorrect. There are strict laws and operations that must be abided by to retrieve the correct answer. It is the skill of the student to know how to use these laws and operations. These skills are further developed through:
- Critical thinking: ability of an individual to seek information, analyze alternatives and making conclusions
- Problem solving questions
- See our article: Why Does My Child Need Problem Solving Strategies?
- Analytical thinking: examining the information, collecting the facts and checking whether the statement follows logically in identifying causes and effects.
- Quantitative Reasoning: a reasoning test requiring you to use mathematical skills.
Numeracy: Behaviours
This addresses your child’s willingness and motivation to do maths. If a child is unsure how to solve an equation it can be quite daunting to work out the first step and come to the correct answer. When we train our students to calculate it is always by encouraging them to follow steps and think logically. Maths is also about learning from examples. Examples tend to show you every single step. At Eye Level, some steps in subsequent examples are intentionally omitted. This is to encourage students to analyse and remember the calculation process. We call this “developing thinking ability” which leads to independent learning.
Numeracy: Disposition
Disposition is the inherent qualities of mind and character. Maths is a methodical subject, as such children can rely on this to motivate them. It is also up to teachers, Instructors and Parents to help children understand that what they are doing now is a stepping stone to the next skill and mathematical law. Eye Level Maths works on a building block structure to reach more complicated equations. Maths is also a a good subject to encourage your child to have good study habits due to this structured nature.
The combination of these factors, develops your child’s Numeracy, not just their Maths or arithmetic. Numeracy is a necessary skill to have in our ever-changing, developing world.
If you would like to know more about how the Eye Level Maths Programme can develop your child’s Numeracy you can:
- Contact one of our Learning Centres
- Read more about our Basic Thinking Maths and Critical Thinking Programmes here.