Re-highlighting the potential of critical numeracy.

Since the development of the term numeracy in the mid-fifties in the United Kingdom, the concept of what numeracy is and how it is defined has undergone many changes. The Australian education community continues to explore the concept of numeracy, consider the place and definition of numeracy in the curriculum and consider its relationship with mathematics. Currently, the Australian curriculum incorporates mathematics as one of seven learning areas and numeracy as one of seven general capabilities. Numeracy is defined as the capacity, confidence and disposition to use mathematics. Other general capabilities include critical and creative thinking, ethical behaviour, personal and social competence and intercultural understanding. This paper explores numeracy from an Australian Curriculum perspective and extends this view to consider the potential of "critical numeracy". Using the lens of Freire's critical pedagogy, this paper discusses a perspective of critical pedagogy for mathematics and numeracy that challenges teachers to address student lifeworlds, their community and social issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]