What is the importance of numeracy skills development? Numeracy is a fundamental skill that every student should develop in order to succeed in their academic pursuits and in life beyond the classroom. But what exactly is numeracy and why is it so important?
According to the National Numeracy organisation, numeracy is “the ability to understand and use mathematical information, and to make well-informed decisions based on that information.” It involves a range of mathematical concepts and skills, including counting, measuring, estimating, and problem-solving.
Developing strong numeracy skills can have a range of benefits for students, both in their academic performance and in their future lives. Here, we delve deeper into the importance of numeracy and the ways in which it can support students in their academic and personal development.
Improved problem-solving skills
One of the key benefits of numeracy is the way it helps students to analyze, evaluate, and solve problems that involve numerical data. This is a crucial skill for many real-world situations, such as budgeting, deciding on investments, and understanding statistical information.
According to Dr. Jo Boaler, Professor of Mathematics Education at Stanford University, “mathematics is not just about computation and memorization; it is about problem-solving, reasoning, and critical thinking.” By strengthening their numeracy skills, students can become better equipped to tackle complex problems and make informed decisions.
Greater success in mathematics and science
It is no surprise that students who are strong in numeracy tend to perform better in mathematics and science subjects, which often require the application of mathematical concepts and principles. This can lead to higher grades and a greater likelihood of pursuing careers in these fields.
As Sir Adrian Smith, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of London, notes, “mathematics is the foundation for so many other subjects, including the sciences, engineering, and economics. A strong foundation in math is essential for success in these fields.”
Enhanced financial literacy
In addition to its academic benefits, numeracy can also help students to make informed financial decisions. Being proficient in numeracy allows students to understand concepts such as interest rates, loan payments, and budgeting, which can set them up for financial success in the future.
According to Dr. Teresa Ghilarducci, an expert in financial literacy and retirement security, “financial literacy is crucial for making informed decisions about borrowing, saving, investing, and managing money. It helps individuals to achieve their financial goals and to build a secure financial future.”
Increased confidence and motivation
When students feel confident and competent in their numeracy skills, they are more likely to engage in mathematics-related activities and take on more challenging tasks. This can lead to increased motivation and a positive attitude towards mathematics.
As Dr. Jo Boaler explains, “a growth mindset in math, where students believe they can improve and get better at math through effort, leads to higher achievement and a love of math.” By developing strong numeracy skills, students can build a growth mindset and become more confident and motivated learners.
Better communication skills
Numeracy skills are also important for clear and effective communication. Students need to be able to explain their mathematical reasoning and understanding to others, whether it be in class discussions or in written assignments. This can help them to become more confident and effective communicators in a range of contexts.
According to Dr. Danielle Bartlett, Assistant Professor of Mathematics Education at the University of British Columbia, “good communication skills are crucial for success in mathematics. Being able to explain and justify mathematical ideas helps students to understand the material more deeply and to build stronger connections between concepts.”
The importance of early intervention
It is clear that numeracy skills are an essential foundation for success in school and in life. However, it is also important to recognise that these skills need to be developed early on in a student’s education.
According to a report by the National Center for Education Statistics, “early math skills are predictive of later math achievement, and math achievement is predictive of later reading achievement.” This highlights the importance of providing students with a strong foundation in numeracy from an early age.
Unfortunately, many students struggle with mathematics and may fall behind their peers in the early years of their education. This is especially true for disadvantaged students who may not have access to the same resources and support as their more affluent peers.
To address this issue, it is important for educators to provide targeted support for struggling students and intervene as early as possible. This may involve providing extra help and resources, such as one-on-one tutoring or small-group instruction.
What does the research say about developing numeracy skills?
There is a wealth of research that supports the importance of developing numeracy skills in students. For example, a report by the National Center for Education Statistics found that “early math skills are predictive of later math achievement, and math achievement is predictive of later reading achievement.” This highlights the importance of providing students with a strong foundation in numeracy from an early age.
Numeracy is widely recognised as a crucial skill that is essential for success in school and in life. It is the ability to understand, interpret, and use numerical information, and it involves a range of mathematical concepts and skills, including counting, measuring, estimating, and problem-solving.
Numeracy is important for a range of real-world situations, such as budgeting, deciding on investments, and understanding statistical information. It is also essential for success in mathematics and science subjects, which often require the application of mathematical concepts and principles. Numeracy skills are also important for making informed financial decisions and for clear and effective communication.
A study, published in the Journal of Educational Research, found that students who received mathematics intervention showed “significant and lasting” improvements in their mathematics skills. The study also found that students who received the intervention were more likely to engage in mathematics-related activities and to take on more challenging tasks, indicating that intervention can also lead to increased motivation and confidence in math.
In the words of Dr Henry Kranendonk, Professor of Mathematics Education at the University of New South Wales, “early intervention is crucial for students who are struggling with math. By providing targeted support and resources, we can help these students to catch up and to build a strong foundation in math, which is essential for success in the future.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, numeracy is an essential skill that every student should develop in order to succeed in school and in life. It helps students to analyse, evaluate, and solve problems, perform better in mathematics and science, make informed financial decisions, and communicate effectively. By prioritizing numeracy skills, we can set our students up for success in the future.
However, it is also important to recognise that these skills need to be developed early on in a student’s education. By providing targeted support and intervention for struggling students, we can ensure that all students have the opportunity to build a strong foundation in numeracy and achieve their full potential.
