ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors introduce a model of numeracy designed to capture the demands of 21st century personal, civic and work life and describe its dimensions. The 21st Century Numeracy Model brings together features of numeracy described in previous research (e.g., Hogan 2000a) while also extending the definition of numeracy to accommodate the evolving nature of knowledge, work and technology. The model consists of four core dimensions: attention to real-life contexts; application of mathematical knowledge; use of physical, representational and digital tools; and promotion of positive dispositions towards the use of mathematics to solve real-life problems. Using mathematics to solve problems in the real world requires personal mathematical knowledge relevant to a particular situation. The four described dimensions of numeracy are embedded in a fifth overarching dimension—critical orientation. The numeracy model has also been used to identify numeracy demands and opportunities in curriculum documents across learning areas.
