Presentation
Mathematical literacy: are we there yet?
ICME-12, Topic Study Group 6: Mathematics Literacy
(2012)
Abstract
As far as I can see, the term ‘mathematical literacy’ is a relatively new addition to the education lexicon. This phrase and the related terms numeracy, and quantitative literacy, are used in a variety of ways. The same words take different meanings in different contexts and have been used differently over time, and this has caused some difficulties in the debate about critical aspects of mathematical education. It is important therefore to understand what is intended when these words and phrases are used in presentations, debates and in the education literature. This paper represents my struggle to clarify these matters as a lead-in to a discussion of the particular uses of the term within and related to the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), and the ways in which PISA’s use of this and related terms has changed over the life of this programme.
Keywords
- mathematical literacy,
- PISA mathematics,
- mathematics education
Disciplines
Publication Date
July, 2012
Citation Information
Ross Turner. "Mathematical literacy: are we there yet?" ICME-12, Topic Study Group 6: Mathematics Literacy (2012) Available at: http://works.bepress.com/ross_turner/22/