DEFINING NUMERACY

MINISTERIAL ORDER (#001/2013)

2.3 All students will employ literacy and numeracy to construct and communicate meaning.

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THE EVOLUTION OF NUMERACY

Formative Phase (1959-1982)

A numerate person is able to use arithmetic skills that are normally acquired in childhood.

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THE EVOLUTION OF NUMERACY

Mathematical Phase(1982-late 1990s)

A numerate person uses math in everyday life and

understands and appreciates information presented in

mathematical terms.

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WHAT IS DRIVING A NEW DEFINITION?

• technology • information

overload • global competition

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THE EVOLUTION OF NUMERACY

Integrative Phase(1990-today)

A numerate possesses the power and habit of mind to search out

quantitative information, critique it, reflect upon it, and apply it in their

public, personal and professional lives.

National Numeracy Network, 2012.

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ALBERTA EDUCATION DRAFT DEFINITION OF NUMERACY

Numeracy is the confidence and habits of mind to engage with, critically assess, reflect upon and apply quantitative and spatial information when making judgments and decisions or taking action in all aspects of daily living.

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THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MATHEMATICS AND NUMERACY

Mathematics is its own discipline.• numbers and mathematical concepts

are objects of study • some math skills/understandings are

required to be numerate.

Numeracy is cross-curricular because it must have a context in or outside of a school setting.

• numbers are used to describe or label

• dependent on multiple factors• requires more than one literacy• influenced by society or culture. © Photodisc/Getty Images

True Numeracy tasks generally require quantitative or spatial information in everyday situations or contexts that have a tendency to be complex or less defined.

Mathematics often requires procedural knowledge and understanding applied to more defined problems that are life-like.

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LOOKING AT A PROBLEM FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF MATHEMATICS

Greg and his family are helping their friends move from Edmonton to Calgary, a distance of 300 km. They are using his father’s truck to transport the furniture. If they travel at a speed of 100 km per hour, how long will it take to return to Edmonton?

Answer: __________________________

LOOKING AT A PROBLEM FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF NUMERACY

Greg and his family are helping their friends move from Edmonton to Calgary, a distance of 300 km. They are using his father’s truck to transport the furniture. If they travel at a speed of 100 km per hour, how long will it take to return to Edmonton?

• How long will it take to unload the furniture?

• Will they stop to eat?• Will they need to stop

for gas?

What answers would be

reasonable?

In Numeracy understanding develops horizontally.

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Numeracy is employed in every aspect of being an engaged thinker and ethical citizen with an entrepreneurial spirit.

Higher level Mathematics is required in post-secondary education as well as in a variety of professions, occupations and research. © Photodisc/Getty Images

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CRITICAL COMPONENTS OF A NUMERACY PROBLEM

• Lacks specificity• Prompts critical thinking• Connected to real life

Would you ever do this in real life?• Presents context that is outside of mathematics

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CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING QUANTITATIVE INFORMATION:

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Curriculum Development Prototyping Guide (August 2013) – pages 29 - 31 Guide du prototypage pour l’élaboration du curriculum (Aout 2013) – pages 36 - 37

The Lack of Pirates is Causing Global WarmingBeing Numerate Matters