Numeracy Curriculum

The objective of EDC141: The Numerate Educator was for students to obtain the chance to develop their mathematical skills, build mathematical competency, and positively chance their disposition (as a pre-service teacher) towards the importance and the functionality of maths. The key to success is to learn from one’s mistakes and work (by practicing mathematical questions) to further improve one’s results. This I managed to do by increasing my Mathspace results from 64% to 68% (as shown in Appendices 1A). The Australian Curriculum focuses on developing student’s capabilities in six areas: number, Algebra, Geometry, measurement, statistics and probability. Using evidence from the Mathspace test results, the NAPLAN results and activities of ‘What

The aims and importance of learning provision for numeracy development are to ensure all students understand that maths is a vital part of everyday life and will continue to be used throughout their life. Primary schools will teach students to learn various methods and techniques to be able to reach the correct answer. The end goal means more students will be able to solve a mathematical problem, independently, using a method that suits them. They can then develop their learning to improve their knowledge and apply it to real life situations; such as counting in groups of numbers such as 5’s or 10’s, which in turn can be applied when paying for

Numeracy development is important for all children as maths is an important part of everyday life. The way in which maths is taught has changed greatly over the years. When I was at school we were taught one method to reach one answer. Now, particularly in early primary phase, children are taught different methods to reach an answer, which includes different methods of working out and which also develops their investigation skills. For example, by the time children reach year six, the different methods they would have been taught for addition would be number lines,

It is compulsory for Australian year 3, 5, 7 and 9 school students to complete the National Assessment Program- Literacy and Numeracy (National Assessment Program, 2016) test. The NAPLAN test provides schools, governments, education authorities, students and the community statistics of schools and individual student’s weaknesses and strengths in specific areas of curriculum. One of the areas of curriculum that is tested is Mathematics. For this assignment we had to answer five questions from a year 9 NAPLAN test. I felt confident answering majority of the questions correctly; taking my time to logically work out each question with the aid of pen and paper when needed. I am a visual learner, so I was able to mentally solve most of the questions in my head. I rarely need to use a calculator as I have memorized many different strategies for working out mathematical questions.

- To encourage the effective use of numeracy and maths as a tool in a wide range of activities within and out of school

Ollerton, M. (2010) ‘Using problem-solving approaches to learn mathematics’ in Thompson, I. (ed.) Issues in Teaching Numeracy in Primary Schools (2nd edn), Maidenhead, Open University Press

It is the school policy for lower primary students have their literacy and numeracy abilities measured against benchmark levels twice yearly. The tests used for these assessments include the PM Benchmark Reading Assessment, the Waddington Spelling test (see Appendix A), and the Australia Council of Educational Research’s Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) in reading and mathematics. In addition, Mrs. Bea has adapted a generic phonemic awareness skills test (see Appendix B), which she conducts in the first week of the school

The programme has been planned to support pupil’s skills in Maths which will develop their numeracy skills and therefor enable them to use numbers in a variety of situations throughout their lives, calculation skills that will equip them with the skills to be independent with their own finances in many different situations, and with Problem solving skills which will enable them with the skills to manage their own finances throughout their lives, with the ability to develop their skills and understanding of the value of money and supporting them to control their finances effectively (Education Scotland 2016).

However, further in depth research unveiled that there is a steady decline in mathematics performance in Australian school’s. This is due to unqualified teachers. Due to shortage of qualified maths teachers, thousands of children are being taught maths by teachers who are specialised in humanities subjects.

The huge gaps of literacy and numeracy between girls and boys are wider on primary school. Boys have dropped behind girls both in reading and writing in date on the numbers on the reaching standards. However, boys have almost caught up the girls in math in 2015. The date has varied considerably over the years. National standards judgments are thought as unreliable while the gender and ethnic gaps are believed more reliable. Professor Martin Thrupp has pointed that the Year 8 math standards was set above the average achievement levels of Year8 students. The dates are different because of the different ethnic groups.

For pupils to use a calculator effectively requires a sound knowledge of number. As children learn how to enter simple one step calculations that involve whole numbers, they can explore

The school worked on a year and a half form entry basis and so classes were generally small. During numeracy children were divided into three ability groups and each group was taught separately. My partner and I (Miss M) worked with the lower ability group. Ofsted (2009) noted that the ‘arrangements for teaching numeracy in smaller groups have had a dramatic effect on pupils' progress, improving mathematics from a relative weakness to one of the school's strengths.’ However, doing so may mean that children know that very little is expected from them. According to Cockburn (1999, p15) ‘if a child is labelled as not being able or lacking in confidence, it may not be very long before that child ceases to perform to the best of their abilities.’

Children at this age also have different skills related to numeracy. Fostering numeracy skills in early childhood education not only predicts for later Math achievement but also for greater literacy skills (NAEYC, 2009). Since mathematical concepts are often intertwined with so many areas such as science, literacy, dramatic play, block building, and more, math learning centers offering interdisciplinary materials and activities ensure that young children grow to understand and appreciate the real life applications of mathematical concepts (Fu, 2010).

Teaching students effectively in areas of multiplicative thinking, fractions and decimals requires teachers to have a true understanding of the concepts and best ways to develop students understanding. It is also vital that teachers understand the importance of conceptual understanding and the success this often provides for many students opposed to just being taught the procedures (Reys et al., ch. 12.1). It will be further looked at the important factors to remember when developing a solid conceptual understanding and connection to multiplicative thinking, fractions and decimals.

Being numerate means having the confidence and skills to use numbers in all aspects of life. Language, Literacy and Numeracy are all interdependent. Comparliative numeracy is e.g. big, bigger and Superlative is e.g. biggest. Children learn their numeracy skills through play with adults, these adults can be parents/carers, practitioners, child minder’s etc. Numeracy also means being able to work out “charts and diagrams, process information, solve problems, check answers, understand and explain solutions, and make decisions based on logical thinking and reasoning.” (National Numeracy, 2014)