What is numeracy and why is it important to social studies?

Definition of Numeracy: 

Ability to reason and apply simple mathematical concepts to everyday life.  

Objective:

To help develop numerate students:  a numerate student is able to 

• Interpret data, charts and diagrams

• Process information

• Solve Problems

• Check Answers

• Understand and explain solutions

• Make decisions based on logical thinking and reasoning

Numeracy, sometimes called number sense, mathematical literacy, or quantitative literacy is considered an essential component for living a healthier, more economically stable, and less stressful life. It would be logical to think its emphasis would be a part of every classroom. However, in many classrooms these ideas are not often directly associated to an individual’s learning experience. This is an unfortunate situation since most school subjects could be made more meaningful to students by integrating numeracy concepts and skills. Numeracy is applied to every day life.

Social studies is a content area where these concepts and skills can be embedded.  I teach a variety of numeracy skills ranging from personal finance, map scale, problem solving, logical thinking, or the investigation of data. It is important to explicitly address numeracy as a necessary tool for understanding the world in a richer context. It seems there is an assumption this responsibility is squarely on the shoulders of a math or science teachers. This mindset, coupled with an academic environment where class content most closely reflects the state’s standardized test, means numeracy often takes a back seat to more frequently assessed standards. Furthermore, according to Steen (1999) “in colleges and universities—where K–12 teachers are educated—confusion about quantitative literacy is profound. Institutions differ widely in the extent to which they expect graduates to be quantitatively literate” (p.8). The disconnect between curriculum and “real world” application of numeracy interests me as a professional. Social studies teachers should be focused on providing learning experiences that are connected to other disciplines as well as  teaching the necessary tools to be an informed citizen. I think these professional interests and experiences can be achieved through teaching numeracy skills. Additionally, these beliefs are the driving factor behind why I want to raise awareness about the importance of numeracy, increase the capacity for numeracy strategies in social studies, and increase my student’s numeracy skills.

Examples of numeracy initiatives from around the world

• Canada

• Australia 

• National Numeracy/UK

• CDC

References:

Steen, L. A. (1999). Numeracy: The New Literacy for a Data-Drenched Society. Educational 

Leadership, 57 (2), 8-13. Retrieved from

http://www.statlit.org/pdf/1999-Steen-ASCD-Education-Leadership.pdf