Numeracy

teaching writing a maths equation on a whiteboard

What is numeracy?
What is involved in numeracy?
How to improve your numeracy
Disabilities that can affect ability to participate in numeracy related activities

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What is numeracy?

cartoon person next to calculator

Having numeracy skills means that you can:

Decide what needs to be measured or calculated;
Write down maths information in the correct way, using the right tools;
Estimate answers and check your calculations;
Use maths in everyday situations; for example, planning a journey (working out how long it will take, departure and arrival times, costs etc.).

Good numeracy skills will help you in your everyday life. These skills will help you in your community, in the workplace and in your school or college.

What is involved in numeracy?

Understanding mathematical information:
- Knowing how the number system works; understanding the difference between whole numbers, decimals, fractions and percentages;
- Understanding numbers used for different purposes using different formats and measurements - including money, time, temperature, distance, area and volume;
- Knowing the language of maths to think about mathematical ideas and concepts, for example, ‘difference’, ‘share’, ‘minus’, ‘subtract’;

Calculating and using numbers and mathematical concepts:
- Simple number operations; additions, subtractions, multiplication and divisions;
- Measuring areas;
- Algebra; equations and patterns.
Use mathematics in practical context:
Applying mathematical concepts and practice to day-to-day challenges that arise in your home, college or work life; for example, planning a journey, splitting a restaurant bill or cooking.

How to improve your numeracy

cartoon man holding a spanner

If you have serious problems with numeracy, you should think about taking a course in basic arithmetic. Courses are widely available at local colleges that can lead to a certificate in Adult Numeracy at Level 1 and 2.
Numeracy courses are also widely available online. These range from basic arithmetic courses to more advanced courses. Websites such as http://geton.direct.gov.uk/get-ahead.html offer free basic maths courses. Other more advanced and specialised courses are free from sites such as www.intmath.com;
Make learning maths fun! An excellent way to improve your knowledge and skill in numeracy is to play maths games and puzzles. Sudoku is a popular maths game and there are plenty more games designed to develop specific mathematical skills. Games are widely and freely available online.

Disabilities that can affect ability to participate in numeracy

Some disabilities can create difficulties for your with numeracy, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t develop these skills.

Click on the highlighted links below to take you to a page that explains what you and/or your teachers can do to help you succeed.