critical numeracy

Critical numeracy is a focus on how numeracy, in all its forms, is involved in our relationships to each other and the world. By analogy with critical literacy, it is an emphasis on the ways in which practical mathematical situations are implicated in the power relationships of everyday life. It sets out to encourage students to see that mathematical practice is culturally loaded – and that when mathematics is used in practical situations students should understand and reflect on the world position of those using it. It enlivens numeracy education.

Themes includes:

  • Exploring the ideas underlying critical literacy and their adaptation for numeracy
  • Helping students develop a critical awareness of how mathematics is used in everyday life
  • Teaching students to become analytical and reflective users of mathematics
  • Using open-ended questions to develop numeracy
  • If numeracy is socially constructed and reflects cultural values how should we teach it?
  • Using mathematical information to interpret aspects of society relevant to self or community
  • Using popular texts such as newspaper articles for numeracy education
  • Many practical examples for use in the classroom

Dr Rex Stoessiger has run seminars on mathematics education, literacy and emotional intelligence in most Australian States. He is the author of the book Natural Learning and Mathematics (Heinemann, 1992) and the article, An Introduction to Critical Numeracy (Australian Mathematics Teacher 58(4), 17-20, 2002) and he is expert in the use of open-ended challenges in mathematics education.


additional resources

Send us an email if you want more information including prices on this course.

E.I. tip of the day

contact us

Quality Educational Services

2/23 Bowral Street
Hawks Nest, NSW 2324 Australia
+61 409 386 402
rex_stoessiger@southcom.com.au

more