RECOGNIZING AND UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF MATHEMATICS GEMMA C. ROQUE

In order to use mathematics in a wide range of situations, learners must learn about numeracy, which involves recognizing and understanding the role of mathematics in the world. It is about acquiring the knowledge, skills, behaviors, dispositions and capacities to use mathematical knowledge and skills purposefully. In everyday personal, study and work situations, we use number, measurement and geometry statistics and probability. Algebra, functions and relations, logic, mathematical structure and working mathematically have equally important and essential roles that play in people's understanding of the natural and human worlds, and the interaction between them. We all know that a child's first years are a time of rapid learning and development, when they use math concepts to make sense of their world and connect these concepts with their environment and everyday activities. For example, when playing, children may sort or choose toys according to size, shape, weight or color. Much of the teaching of concepts and skills to support numeracy happens in the mathematics learning area, and it is strengthened as students take part in activities that connect their learning in the mathematics classroom within the context of other curriculum areas. As they move through their years of schooling, learners are exposed to mathematical understanding, fluency, problem solving and reasoning - and these capabilities allow them to respond to familiar and unfamiliar situations by employing mathematics to make informed decisions and solve problems efficiently. Other areas of development, such as resilience and perseverance, support achievement in numeracy. While mathematics gives students access to important mathematical ideas, knowledge and skills, numeracy connects this learning with their personal and work lives. Being numerate involves more than mastering basic mathematics. Numeracy involves connecting the mathematics that students learn at school with the out-of-school situations that require the skills of problem solving, critical judgement, and sense-making related to applied contexts.

-oOoThe author is Teacher III at Prado Siongco Elementary School, Lubao West Distri