Numeracy: Teaching Maths in Context

Description

Numeracy: teaching maths in context describes an approach to teaching mathematics based on applied and contextual learning principles. This means that the teaching and learning of mathematics proceeds from a contextual, task-based and investigative point of view—where the mathematics involved is developed from a modelled situation or practical task. Practical investigations and projects are key vehicles for student learning in such an approach.

The approach used will be helpful for teachers of students (middle years through to adult) who need a practical rather than formal mathematical background for their everyday life skills and further education, training or work aspirations. The text illustrates how this approach works through some sample contexts such as cars and driving, sport, cooking and catering, and draws together mathematics from the areas of number, measurement, space, data and statistics, and algebra.