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Mathematics vs Numeracy

The concept of differentiating mathematics and numeracy is one that many individuals are unaware of and i was even unaware of the difference between the two until I was made aware, however in simple terms the difference between mathematics and numeracy is simply that numeracy is the application of the skills learnt by students through mathematics although it is used in a real-world way. I find myself trying to explain it over and over in my head as it can be tricky to understand at times but as teachers its highly important to be aware as it is crucial that the fundamental mathematical practices are educated and understood to a standard that allows the learner to be numerate.

Numeracy is the ability to be able to problem solve, follow a cooking recipe and understand a university table. It is by having set skills that allows individuals to understand the role that numeracy has in real world contexts. 


Mathematics is seen as steps before numeracy in a sense of you need to understand the maths to be numerate. According to Hogan (2012) mathematics is a focused on content in particular concepts and skills on curriculum, statistics & probability, measurements & geometry, number & algebra. 




References

Hogan, J. (2012). Mathematics and numeracy: Has anything changed? Are we any clearer? Are we on track? Australian Mathematics Teacher, 68(4).
Richburg, K. (2015). Math. Retrieved from http://nefec.pbworks.com/w/page/27740240/Math

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