There are different written methods of calculation. Three examples are shown below. Try to identify which method your learner is using (or trying to use) and observe them using it. You might need to question learners about their reasoning. This will help you to make a choice about whether to consolidate their learning using the original method, or to introduce another method.
Adult Numeracy Core Curriculum
Ideas and Suggestions
Wherever possible, it is better to use real money with learners when they are practising recognising and using coins and notes.
However, if this is not practical then replica coins and notes could be used instead. It is important not to use sets of replica money that have clearly been designed for children. It is also illegal to reproduce (e.g. photocopy) any part of any Bank of England banknote, even scaled down versions.
Adult Numeracy Core
Ideas and Suggestions
Adult Numeracy Core Curriculum
Ideas and Suggestions
Using games to develop numeracy
Games involving mathematics can not only provide motivation for learners but also develop their understanding of concepts and application of skills. In addition, they enable learners to develop their mathematical communication skills as they explain their tactics to each other.
Adult Numeracy Core Curriculum
Ideas and Suggestions
Using investigational approaches with learners
Adult Numeracy Core
Ideas and Suggestions
Using a calculator
An electronic calculator can be used as a tool for learning, as well as for performing calculations. Using a calculator for investigations and puzzles, which can be tedious by manual computation, can stimulate interest in numbers, number patte
Decimals are often introduced in the context of money, and this can be an effective way in which to ground learning in everyday experience. Some attention should be paid, however, to the differences in the way we talk about money and the way in which we talk about decimal numbers, as these can give rise to confusion.
Adult Numeracy Core Curriculum
Ideas and Suggestions
Much of the content of the Shape and Space part of the curriculum is to do with the recognition and use of specific vocabulary. It can be useful to make lists of which words are being focused upon, and to select activities designed to develop the learners’ use of these words. It is also important to be clear about objectives. Should the learners simply be able to recognise the target words, or use them actively in speech and/or writing?
Adult Numeracy Core Curriculum
Ideas and Suggestions
Fractions can be thought of in different ways, so it is worth finding out what learners already understand about fractions, and then exploring a selected concept further, e.g. in what situations might they see or use a fraction?
Adult Numeracy Core Curriculum
Ideas and Suggestions
Being aware of different ways of talking and thinking about percentage calculations can be helpful in diagnosing existing learner understanding, whatever level the learner is working at. It is also important to be consistent in the way that methods of percentage calculation are described.
Adult Numeracy Core Curriculum
Ideas and Suggestions
Other curriculum areas and fractions
Fractions need not be first introduced as a topic in their own right. They can be referred to when focusing on other curriculum areas.
Adult Numeracy Core Curriculum
Ideas and Suggestions
