Numeracy” refers to the kind of numerical, computational, and graphical literacy which forms part of virtually all areas of the school curriculum. This course examines the nature and importance of numeracy as a particular way of knowing for learners, as well as the teaching approaches to utilizing and fostering this kind of learning in the classroom.
The history of the development of mathematics reveals that mathematics was mainly studied and practiced by the elite (Anderson, 1999). In those days, mathematics was not accessible for everyone. Now, in the 21st century, every country is trying to educate all its citizens in mathematics. But what does it mean to be mathematically educated?
The main goal of this course is to begin to answer the question of what it means to be mathematically educated, and to investigate the impact of various answers to this question on different cultural groups and societies. We will discuss research that looks at the epistemology of mathematics, and cultural, social and political issues in the teaching and learning of mathematics for citizens in the world. We will also discuss how academic mathematics relates to everyday and professional life.