The Learning and Teaching of Mathematical Literacy: Making Mathematics Useful for Everyone

Typically, most people don’t realise when and how they can use the mathematics they were taught in high school – yet many of the mathematical ideas and skills can be a powerful tool for understanding how the world works. Learning and Teaching for Mathematical Literacy addresses this situation, offering practical strategies for developing a broader vision of mathematical literacy in the classroom and recognising the importance of maintaining these skills into adult life. Linked to the material explored throughout this book, classroom activities and lesson materials are freely available for use via the QR codes included in each chapter.

Filled with case studies and classroom activities, chapters tackle several topics:

• Describing a framework for a broader vision of mathematical literacy – what is it, and why is it important?
• Teaching mathematical literacy in the classroom
• Applying mathematical literacy to ‘real life’ scenarios: My dad is buying a new dishwasher. Should he buy the extended warranty on offer? My phone works fine but I've been offered an upgrade. How should I decide whether to take it?
• The role of technology in teaching mathematical literacy
• Designing mathematical measures for real-word quantities

Firmly grounded by practical applications for the classroom and beyond, this is an essential handbook for any teacher, teaching assistant, or mathematics subject lead who wishes to develop their students’ mathematical literacy skills. This is also an ideal resource for those delivering or enrolled in teacher preparation courses.

All three authors have received awards for contributions to educational design in STEM subjects from ISDDE, the International Society for Design and Development in Education.

Table of Contents

1. What is mathematical literacy?;
2. The power of tasks;
3. Teaching for mathematical literacy;
4. How risky is life?;
5. Climate change – the science, the mathematics and the politics;
6. Planning for good things in life;
7. Looking past the ‘spin’;
8. Equality and inequality;
9. Your money in your life;
10. Computers in teaching for mathematical literacy;
11. The importance of curiosity;
12. Designing measures;
13. Mathematics for information technology;
14. Reflections