Numeracy Matters
Numeracy Matters
We believe that that the first step forward is to recognise that poor numeracy can indeed have an adverse effect on a person’s self-esteem and confidence to do calculations in their head. And that improving mental calculations can have a positive effect on both learning and applying maths to everyday situations.
We believe in improvement in everyday numeric skills, like being a scorekeeper in a game of darts, checking that you have been given the correct change, helping children and adults learn to do arithmetic in their heads.
Many everyday life skills are dependent on basic numeracy, we need all the ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide proficiently both mentally and/or on paper when necessary.
This approach can support or improve other life skills like for instance:
- Reading a timetable to determine how long you must wait for your bus or train and/or how long the journey will take.
- Preparing food for a special occasion and if necessary, altering the recipe to cater for the number of invited guests and buy the required ingredients.
- This can also include managing a family budget and diet requirements.
- Checking that you have been given the correct change in both social and practical situations like paying for food and beverages in a restaurant.
And, as for dart players, remember that the scorekeeper is technically the official referee for the match and so it is really important to know how to handle numbers and hopefully avoid a misplaced dart.
The Little Things
We believe that that the first step forward is to recognise that poor numeracy can indeed have an adverse effect on a person’s self-esteem and confidence to do calculations in their head. And that improving mental calculations can have a positive effect on both learning and applying maths to everyday situations.
We want to help tackle the frustration felt by some young people and adults when dealing with everyday calculations.
Next Steps…
Numeracy is a big issue involving mental skills calculations that are not always taught at school or college. We are only just starting our journey down the path of providing enlightenment to many who suffer various forms of arithmophobia.
Further in-depth information about progress, research, and upcoming events can be found at the National Numeracy website.