Current News: The Learning Support (OTuS) in ViLLe consists 112 numeracy briefcases to strengthen everyday mathematical skills. When selecting suitable practice material for a learner, the teacher can utilise the numeracy skills table or administer selective tests on different aspects of numeracy skills on various numeracy areas. Many topics begin with an animated introductory video that demonstrates the application of numeracy in real-life situations. The 40 completed introductory videos are available on our website with Finnish subtitles. You can explore some of our tasks in ViLLE’s Numeracy DEMO course (12 briefcases).
Using the Material: Once you’ve been granted access as a valued member of the TRILA teachers’ group, you can assign lessons to students: select numeracy, topic, and level (links provide descriptions and instructions). For mobile device users, please note that numeracy exercises have also been tested on tablets (iPad). Some of ViLLE’s exercise types scale better when the tablet is rotated to portrait mode. The GeoGebra plugin appears to function on tablets as well.
Numeracy Is Part of Everyday Life
Our daily environment is filled with meaningful numbers, measurements, quantities, proportions, statistics, and probabilities. Numeracy refers to the ability to understand and use numbers, meaning competence in handling mathematical concepts. This ability is applied in everyday situations, problem-solving, and decision-making. Deficiencies in numeracy can limit a person’s capabilities to function independently. A skill level classification can be used to individually guide students in addressing gaps in specific areas of numeracy.
Where and when are numeracy skills needed?
- Consumer Skills: Purchasing and Consumption.
- Civic Skills: Percentages, Interest Rates, and Tables.
- Work Life Skills: Practical everyday competencies relevant to working life.
- Leisure Mathematics: Sports and Games.
- Everyday Problem-Solving: Situations requiring applied calculations.
- Cultural Mathematics: Expressions, Clock, and Numerical Notations.
- Technology and Devices: Usage and understanding of how technical devices function.
- Mathematics in Linguistic Interaction: Communication, Information sharing, and Media.
Why is it important to develop numeracy skills?
- Shopping and Finances: Easier to make purchases, compare product quality and prices, manage loans, and handle bills.
- Understanding Research and Statistics: Better comprehension of studies and statistics relevant to personal choices, such as in elections.
- Professional Confidence: Feeling more confident in job interviews, salary negotiations, and work tasks where communication often involves numbers.
- Games and Sports: Ability to use probabilities and statistics to gain insights in games or sports strategies.
- Health and Well-being: Making fewer decisions influenced by cognitive biases, for example regarding health and wellness.
- Time Management and Communication: Improved ability to manage time and communicate in mathematical concepts.
- Situational Comfort: Avoiding situations where math or technological skills are required is no longer necessary.
- Participating in Discussions: Easier to follow communication and engage in conversations involving common everyday mathematical concepts.
Numeracy Skill Levels
Mathematical processes operate in different brain areas compared to language, but difficulties with literacy can sometimes relate to slower development of mathematical skills. Many math problems also require strong reading comprehension. Similar to language skills, more advanced numeracy skills make everyday life and communication easier, enhancing individual functionality and independence. Numeracy can be applied at both basic and secondary education levels, regardless of age. The expression of mathematical thinking verbally or in writing, also known as mathematical language, is often a crucial part of problem-solving in the learning process. Therefore, digital learning materials should not solely be used for independent student work.
The goal of the SOLEN = Second Opportunity for Learning Numeracy (TOMA in finnish) project is to create learning path where learners develop numeracy skills through practical tasks contextualized in everyday life and work related scenarios. In the ViLLE environment, teachers can select the most suitable tasks for students using skill level assessments. Summarized descriptions of numeracy skill levels can be found in the accompanying level table, which will be further refined and developed through research and school interventions. Understanding the number system and fluency with arithmetic operations serve as pillars for other mathematical areas. The mathematics curriculum in basic education, divided into six content areas, is presented here from the perspective of nine numeracy areas.
Young learners prepare for adulthood, with everyday math skills approached from the perspective of thriving in life and society. Buttons below provide access to skill descriptions and objectives required to advance to the next level.
The English Version below is still on progress...