1. WHY MATHEMATICAL LITERACY MATTERS
Mathematical literacy involves more than executing procedures. It implies
a knowledge base and the competence and confidence to apply this knowledge in
the practical world. A mathematically literate person can estimate; interpret data;
solve day-to-day problems; reason in numerical, graphical, and geometric situations;
and communicate using mathematics.
As knowledge expands and the economy evolves, more people are
working with technologies or working in settings where mathematics is a
cornerstone. Problem solving, the processing of information, and communication
are becoming routine job requirements. Outside the workplace, mathematics arises
in everyday situation after situation. Mathematical literacy is necessary both at work
and in daily life.
It is one of the keys to coping with a changing society.Mathematical
literacy is as important as proficiency in reading and writing. Mathematics is so
entwined with today’s way of life that we cannot fully comprehend the information
that surrounds us without a basic understanding of mathematical ideas. Confidence
and competence in mathematics lead to productive participation in today’s complex
information society and open the door to opportunity.

2. WHAT MATHEMATICAL LITERACY IS.
The definition of mathematical literacy has been “Today’s mathematics curriculum must
debated internationally for decades. The Expert prepare students for their tomorrows. It
Panel feels confident that the broad outline of a must equip them with essential
vision for mathematical literacy is now widely mathematical knowledge and skills; with
accepted. skills of reasoning, problem solving, and
The OECD Programmed for International communication; and most importantly, with
Student Assessment (PISA) (OECD, 1999) defines the ability and the incentive to continue
mathematical literacy as: learning on their own.”
an individual’s capacity to identify and (Ontario Ministry of Education and
understand the role that mathematics plays in Training, 1999a, p. 3)
the world, to make well-founded mathematical
judgments and to engage in mathematics, in Mathematical literacy also implies the
ways that meet the needs of that individual’s ability to pose and solve mathematical
current and future life problems in a variety of situations, as
as a constructive, concerned and reflective well as the inclination to do so, which
citizen. often relies on personal traits such as
(p. 41). (p. 86) self-confidence and curiosity.
“In the changing world, those who understand and can do mathematics
have significant opportunities and options for shaping their future.”
(National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
[NCTM], 2000, p. 5)