Numeracy across the Curriculum

The purpose of this article is to explain the authors' model of numeracy and outline how the project was conducted. The idea of numeracy is a relatively recent one. The term was first introduced in the UK by the "Crowther Report" (Ministry of Education, 1959) and was defined as the mirror image of literacy, but involving quantitative thinking. Another early definition proposed by the Cockcroft Report (Cockcroft, 1982) described being numerate as possessing an at-homeness with numbers and an ability to use mathematical skills to cope confidently with the practical demands of everyday life. Although numeracy is a term used in many English speaking countries, such as the UK, Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, in the USA and elsewhere it is more common to speak of quantitative literacy or mathematical literacy. The authors argue that a description of numeracy for new times needs to better acknowledge the rapidly evolving nature of knowledge, work, and technology. (Contains 1 figure.)