Mathematics literacy Resources
Description
Mathematical Literacy is intended to address the low level of numeracy that generally prevails in our society. It thus strives to provide learners with an awareness of the role that Mathematics plays in everyday life. As such it will be a subject driven by life-related applications.
Why is Mathematical Literacy an important subject?
Mathematical literacy should not be seen as a watered down form of Mathematics. It is a subject in its own right. Its intentions are to develop knowledge, skills, values and attitudes that will enable learners to participate in, contribute to, adapt to and survive in complex, information driven society. This will be achieved by developing an understanding of mathematical terminology, ways of thinking, and techniques to make sense of numerical and spatial information presented in texts, diagrams, tables and graphs. Such representations are very commonly used in the media. Mathematical Literacy develops logical thinking, problem solving skills, and will instil a critical awareness of functional relationships. It is commonly accepted that mathematical habits of mind are key to success in everyday life as well as in the workplace. Mathematical Literacy plays an important role in developing skills needed to build a prosperous South African society, able to play its part in a globalised world.
What is the subject about?
Mathematical Literacy enables creative and logical reasoning about problems in the everyday environment in which people operate. It provides a language to understand and describe mathematically based information and phenomena in a way that enables the learner to function effectively as a self-managing person, a contributing worker and a participating citizen.
Using available technology such as scientific calculators and computers it will enable learners to:
- Use numbers and number operations to solve mathematically related problems in real life, including financial aspects of personal and community life
- Apply the techniques of functional relationships and graphs to create models for problem solving in a variety of everyday contexts
- Describe, analyse and represent the geometrical properties of space, including natural and man-made objects and structures
- Collect, use and interpret data using techniques of descriptive statistics and probability.
How will this subject help a learner to get into the world of work or further studies?
Mathematical literacy provides a basis for tertiary studies such fields as social sciences, life sciences and economic and management sciences. Mathematical Literacy will enable learners to embark on careers in industrial and technical fields, as well as commercial and management related occupations etc.
Mathematical Literacy should however not be taken by those learners who intend to study disciplines which are mathematically based such as natural sciences and engineering.
