Numeracy

• Teach numeracy in the context of the workplace.
• Use authentic workplace materials where ever possible.

• Often there are existing programs that include the teaching of numeracy (e.g.) pre trades math. These can be great resources.
• We took further steps to ensure that workplace math was incorporated. The math instructor:
  • Attended all meetings held on essential skills.
  • Attended a workshop I gave on incorporating essential skills into the curriculum.
  • Toured the worksite
  • Works with the communications instructor to share workplace documents using numeracy.
  • Did not want students to see math as an isolated activity.
  • Is also teaching quantitative literacy.

Numeracy

• Math Skills Profile
  –Use a proportion showing comparison between two ratios in order to solve problems.
  –Example: reading proportions to mix antifreeze and water
• Lesson on ratio and proportion using actual antifreeze label

• Individuals may be able to perform operations when the numbers and operations are explicit, but when these numbers are embedded in text, the task becomes more difficult.
• Result: it is important to address quantitative literacy as well.

Putting it all together:

• Practice using documents that demand many essential skills. Using this document, you could teach:
• Reading skills – scanning
• Document Use – table
• Numeracy - to protect against freezing up to –37 C, what percent of coolant should you use?
• Numeracy - to protect up to –52C, what percent coolant?
• Numeracy - you need to use 60% coolant. If you add 16 litres of coolant, how much water do you add?
  (This is on the TOWES Measure Up website)