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Numeracy and the 21st Century

Despite the terms ‘mathematics’ and ‘numeracy’ often being used interchangeably, they have different meanings. Mathematics is defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as the “science of numbers and their operations” (Merriam-Webster, 2018). Numeracy, on the other hand, involves an individual having the disposition, tools, and mathematical knowledge to apply appropriate mathematical concepts across a range of contexts (Goos, Dole, & Geiger, 2012). For example, mathematics involves being able to complete the operation of one plus two, whereas assessing a situation and selecting the appropriate mathematical operation within that context, such as knowing to use division to find the monthly cost from an annual figure, is an example of being a numerate person. 


(Hassan, 2018a)

Numeracy involves a person being able to use mathematical concepts and understand how they work within the world (Goos, Dole, & Geiger, 2012), and within the world of the 21st century mathematics plays a large role. In the 21st century creative and critical thinking, collaboration and teamwork, communication, social, and ICT skills (QCAA, 2017) are considered important to be a successful and active participant of society. As educators purposefully incorporate numeracy within each of their respective disciplines, students develop a well-rounded knowledge of how to apply specific concepts to relevant situations (Hurst, 2007). Within this development of students’ numeracy skills, the students’ 21st century skills are also honed. As students discuss different methods of finding a solution, they develop collaboration and teamwork skills; creative thinking skills can be enhanced through looking at patterns and alternative methods of coming to the answer of equations; critical thinking is taught as students are encouraged to look at the problem and persist to find the answer, giving reasons as to why some methods will or will not work; students learn to communicate through numbers such as being able to express the number of something as a percentage; and students use ICT tools such as scientific calculators, spreadsheets, and programming software to aid their mathematical calculations (Saltrick, et al., 2011).

(Hassan, 2018b)

When students are provided with an education that allows them to become numerate across every subject, they are provided with the opportunity to be able to see how mathematics works in all areas of the world (ACARA, n.d.) and are provided the ability to use their mathematical skills to their advantage. As educators prepare students to be active members of the 21st century, members who are critical and creative thinkers, who work well with others, who are confident users of ICT, and who are prepared for the varied and changing workforce, they must ensure their teaching develops each student’s numeracy skills to compliment the skills of the 21st century (Partnership for 21st Century Skills, 2010).

References
Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (n.d.). Numeracy. Retrieved from         https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/f-10-curriculum/general-capabilities/numeracy/
Goos, M., Dole, S., Geiger, V., (2012). Numeracy Across the Curriculum. Retrieved from           https://lms.curtin.edu.au/bbcswebdav/pid-4969212-dt-content-rid-27010530_1/courses/EDSC1006-DVCEducatio-  1707573343/Goos%2C%20Dole%20and%20Geiger%2C%20Numeracy%20across%20the%20Curriculum.pdf
Hassan, M., (2018b). Brainstorming. [image]. Retrieved from https://pixabay.com/en/brain-storming-thinking-3036622/
Hassan, M., (2018a). Finances. [image]. Retrieved from https://pixabay.com/en/finance-accountancy-savings-tax-2837085/
Hurst, C., (2007). Numeracy in Action: Students Connecting Mathematical Knowledge to a Range of Contexts. Retrieved from https://www.merga.net.au/sites/default/files/editor/documents/ECAHurst.pdf
Merriam-Webster (2018). Mathematics. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mathematics
Partnership for 21st Century Skills (2010). 21st Century Knowledge and Skills in Educator Preparation. Retrieved from http://www.p21.org/storage/documents/aacte_p21_whitepaper2010.pdf
Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (2017). 21st Century Skills. Retrieved from https://www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/downloads/senior/snr_syll_redev_21st_century_skills_preparing_students.pdf
Saltrick, S., Hadad, R., Pearson, M., Fadel, C., Regan, B., Wynn, J., (2011). 21st Century Skills Map. Retrieved from http://www.p21.org/storage/documents/P21_Math_Map.pdf

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