Today (Wednesday 16 May 2018) marks the UK’s first National Numeracy Day, celebrating the importance of numerical skills and shedding a light on the nation’s strained relationship with mathematics.
Research carried out by YouGov on behalf of National Numeracy found that almost half (45%) of the 11,000 UK adults surveyed have struggled with everyday tasks involving numeracy, with 35% of them reporting to find everyday tasks stressful due to the mathematics involved. Meanwhile, reports by the Money Advice Service found that almost 7.5 million adults lack confidence and skills in using numbers in everyday life, and suggest that at least 18.5 million working age adults have poor or low numeracy skills.
Tackling the issue early on: “What’s the point of learning this? I’m never going to use it!”
For many adults, their negative relationship with numeracy started at school. Whether it was poor teaching, lacklustre support or a lack of understanding and infrastructure, for many, mathematics was, and is perceived as irrelevant, unimportant or ‘not for them’.
Mathematics can be challenging, and unlike other subjects where the applications to everyday life are obvious, it is not always clear to students how what they’re learning is relevant beyond the classroom and exam hall.
Enriching the curriculum to provide context, explaining the relevance and encouraging active participation in the applications of mathematics, may be key to encouraging more young people to engage with the subject and pursue it post-sixteen.
Raising awareness: “How does mathematics fit in the workplace?”
Mathematics is a fantastic gateway to a wide range of careers and you don’t need to be a Doctor of Mathematics to get a foot in the door to your dream job. Having good numeracy skills, be it a C or above at GCSE or A Level, or a degree, can unlock many doors.
Employers are in desperate need of individuals with good analytical and problem-solving skills. Mathematics equips you with a useful toolkit which can be applied to almost anything.
Bringing employers and role models into Schools and the community to demonstrate how mathematical skills are used on a day-to-day basis in their workplace, provides another outlet to highlight the importance of good numeracy in relation to future job prospects.
It’s vital that more people become aware of just how far reaching mathematics is. Not everyone wants to be a Financial Analyst or a Mathematics Teacher, so it is key that we become better at demonstrating the relevance of mathematics across all sectors. A Hairdresser doesn’t mix the chemicals and dyes before carrying out colour work on someone’s hair through pure guess work!
Addressing the skills gap: “Should we invest in our employees?”
Alongside improving accessibility to mathematics amongst the young, it is key for employers to recognise opportunities to develop numeracy skills in their existing workforce. Better skilled employees benefit not only the business and overall productivity, but also the individuals concerned, increasing their confidence and enhancing their future prospects.
Education providers across the country offer training solutions to support workforce development. Investing in employees is good for business, good for the community and good for the economy.
Improving accessibility: “I’m not a mathematician”
Whether we realise it or not, we’re all mathematicians. Adding up the weekly shop? You’re a mathematician. Utilising spatial awareness when parking? You’re a mathematician. Getting the right change for a vending machine? You’re a mathematician. Slicing a sandwich in half? You’re a mathematician!
We use mathematics every single day. Even the most mundane of tasks draw upon our knowledge of spaces, shapes, numbers, logic and reasoning. The concept that you ‘can’t do maths’, is false. We all do it. All the time.
Despite the fact that mathematics is everywhere and we’re constantly using it, we’re not aware of it. Part of improving accessibility to mathematics, is instilling confidence in those unsure about mathematics that they are capable, and that they have the foundation skills and knowledge needed to progress and succeed in the subject.
Having good infrastructure in the community, in schools and colleges and in the workplace is essential to enabling more people to improve their numeracy skills.
Mathematics isn’t just for the few, or for those who excelled academically at school. It’s for everyone.
The School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science at Kent is committed to inspiring and encouraging more people to pursue mathematics, alongside offering mathematical, statistical and actuarial support to businesses.
Learn more about our Outreach activities: https://www.kent.ac.uk/smsas/outreach/index.html
Learn more about our Consultancy work: https://www.kent.ac.uk/smsas/consultancy/index.html