MINISTERIAL ORDER (#001/2013)
2.3 All students will employ literacy and numeracy
to construct and communicate meaning.
® DIGIPICT
THE EVOLUTION OF NUMERACY
Formative Phase
(1959-1982)
A numerate person is able
to use arithmetic skills
that are normally
acquired in childhood.
Crown-owned
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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• technology
• information
overload
• global competition
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WHAT IS DRIVING A NEW DEFINITION?
THE EVOLUTION OF NUMERACY
Integrative Phase
(1990-today)
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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.
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.
7
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How many sheep?
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.
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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.
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?
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In Mathematics
understanding develops
vertically.
In Numeracy understanding
develops horizontally.
© celena beech/Photos.com
Numeracy is employed in every
aspect of being an engaged
thinker and ethical citizen with an
entrepreneurial spirit.
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Higher level Mathematics is required
in post-secondary education as well as
in a variety of professions,
occupations and research.
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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Which cell phone plan would work best for you?
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 Warming
Being Numerate Matters