Numeracy
Numeracy is the word-to-know for today’s math teachers! It’s more than computation and devising mathematic formulas. Numeracy is the ability to use mathematical ideas, principles and procedures for a purpose in one’s life.
There is a real urgency to improving our math instruction. The GED Testing Service (GEDTS) confirms that the Mathematics portion of the GED continues to produce the lowest passing rate of the five different area tests. We need to search out training and learn new ways to improve our instruction. On this website, you will see publications and links to help you learn more about numeracy and about teaching adults. There will also be notes about upcoming workshops and events that the Resource Center offers. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you’d like to ask a question or suggest a site or publication that might be helpful to others in our field!
Publications
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Components of Numeracy by
Ginsburg, Manly and Schmitt of ANN (the Adult Numeracy Network) and published by NCSALL
This paper describes the components of numeracy for adults in a clear and interesting manner. It also offers suggestions born of research on instruction in numeracy, the most effective approaches for adults, and implications for further research. -
A Review of Literature in Adult Numeracy: Research and Conceptual Issues
Includes contributions by Iddo Gal, Diana Coben and Kathy Safford. This review is the first major product of the Adult Numeracy Initiative, a two-year project funded by the Office of Vocational and Adult Education, U.S. Department of Education, and conducted by the American Institute for Research. The report provides a synthesis of research on several facets of adult numeracy, including instructional approaches, interventions, and assessment. The second report of the project, a comprehensive review of professional development initiatives in adult numeracy, will be available later this winter. -
GED Testing Service (GEDTS) Statistical Study: Mathematics
Print off this quick summary of a statistical analysis that points out the themes most missed on the GED Math test. Includes sample problems. -
The EMPower Project
Extending Mathematical Power (EMPower) is a curriculum for teaching math conceptually to adult learners. There are eight contextualized curriculum units organized around the four math strands: number and operation sense; patterns, functions and relations; geometry and measurement; and data and graphs. - Focus On Basics Newsletter Articles
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Journal for Research in Mathematics Education
This publication promotes and disseminates disciplined inquiry into the teaching and learning of mathematics at all levels, including research reports, book reviews, and commentaries. -
The Math Practitioner
A quarterly newsletter from ANN with practical ideas for adult numeracy instruction and articles on staff development activities around the country. See samples and find out how to obtain your own. -
Principles
Excellent teaching and learning principles as guidelines for instructing adult learners in math, from the Adult Numeracy Network site. Quick read. -
Teacher Observation Project
Check out Indicators of Good Teaching in Adult Education.
Most Recent Weblog Post
New Focus on Basics Issue's Theme is Numeracy (June 5, 2008)
The new issue of "Focus on Basics" (Volume 9, Issue A) is now available. Published by World Education, the theme is Numeracy. Click here and scroll down the page for Volume 9.
Articles include:
Cognitive Instruction Strategies Website (March 20, 2008)
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has built a website devoted to Cognitive Strategy Instruction. While it is geared mainly to children, many of the strategies are also applicable to adults. Check it out at: http://www.unl.edu/csi/index.shtml
Older Weblog Posts
- The Media Library of Teaching Skills (January 31, 2008)
- Adult Learning Mathematics Conference (January 31, 2008)
- New Math Workshops for the Non-Math Teacher! (August 27, 2007)
- Graph Paper Provided - All Sorts! (May 29, 2007)
- Problem Solving with a Graphic Organizer (April 12, 2007)
