Ward-Penny (2016) gives six reasons for mathematics featuring so prominently in school curricula across the world:
Allow about 2 hours
Mathematics is a statutory part of most school curricula across the world. Which of the above reasons do you think would be the primary reason that governments legislate to ensure students learn mathematics?
Example | The feature it is an example of e.g. everyday maths or an intellectual pursuit | Rank these examples according to the importance you place on them |
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Adults regularly use aspects of logical thinking in their organisation and decision making processes, doing mathematics can develop cognitive ‘muscles’ such as proportional reasoning, pattern-spotting and visualisation. Mathematics lessons have the potential to teach learners how to think, preparing them not only for specific everyday contexts or commonplace careers, but also for unexpected moments, and in preparation for jobs that do not yet exist. | ||
Developing fluency with numbers by practising simple problems that have immediate applications, such as students being able to work out how many cans of fizzy drink or bars of chocolate they can buy with the cash they have. | ||
Encouraging public interest in mathematics, and ultimately to ensure its continuation by bringing up the next generation of mathematicians. | ||
Mathematics develops statistical understanding that allows learners to test and weigh up many political claims and can develop an understanding of probability that assists learners in making sense of risk, chance and prediction. By working mathematically students can build up a cognitive toolbox that can help them function as a full member of a modern, democratic society. | ||
The reason that many people have for learning mathematics is that without a mathematics qualification they will be excluded from many professions. The higher the qualification in mathematics that someone has, the greater their earning potential. | ||
Many professions rely on good mathematical knowledge. Nurses use formulae to calculate safe dosages; account managers use formulae when setting up spreadsheets; and special effects organisers use them to calculate safe distances when working with pyrotechnics. Thus practising writing and reading formulae is vital preparation for employment, since the ability to express relationships symbolically and work with algebra is essential in so many careers. |
Consider a mathematics enthusiast, such as Eugenia Cheng or Marcus De Sautoy. Which of the above might they give as their primary reason for why people should learn mathematics? Use your preferred search engine to find out something about these two people and to explore further.
Now consider your own motivation. Why do you think that students should spend time learning mathematics? Try to give an honest answer. Should they spend so much of their young lives becoming numerate? Is basic numeracy really vital? Will you teach mathematics just because your students need to pass examinations? If you see there is more to mathematics than this, how will you help your students appreciate those reasons and see mathematics as important to them?
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