Numeracy Skills for Employability and the Workplace Janette Matthews J.Matthews@lboro.ac.uk

Activity “It is actually amazing how much number is part of my life. This activity was a good one because it made me realise how irrational my fear of numbers is. From the moment you wake up in the morning you are working out time and measures. Leaving the house – distance and speed, making a cup of tea – ratio and proportion, even before working out a calculation you are estimating the answer so you know if your answer is reasonable. In the supermarket you have to have your wits about you because you are bombarded with 3 for 2 offers, percentage discounts, loyalty points etc. Great activity.” [2016]

What do students need to know? What do students need to know to be successful in numeracy tests (or the best they can be) ? Rationale and format of tests Read the question Interpret the question Decide what mathematics is needed and what to do Do the calculations Interpret the answer Develop strategies to work quickly Develop CONFIDENCE

Skills Sense of number Using a calculator Rounding Fractions Decimals Percentages Averages Ratio Unit conversion Currency conversion Data interpretation Sense of number

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Statistics ~36,600 Registered (6 runs) ~18,800 Learners ~6,300 commenting ~35% week 1 to week 2 ~85% week 2 to week 3 ~30% week 1 to week 3 Next run Planned October 2017

Why did you take this course? Refresh skills learned a long time ago Prepare for tests Improve confidence Address a ‘demon’ Enjoy doing mathematics Learning English Skills for teaching others

Why did you take this course? “I’m taking this course to help improve my math skills. Recently, I took an online math assessment test. Between the nerves and not very strong math skills, needless to say, I didn’t do so good. Looking to build my math confidence and learn some tips.” [2016] “I haven’t done maths in more than 6 years, and always used to struggle with dyscalculia. I’m doing this course to help with assessment centres.” [2016] “I need to refresh my mathematics skills. I am seriously lacking in confidence when maths are involved. I last formally used mathematics some 5 years ago, I’ve lost all confidence and can’t do anything without using a calculator.” [2016]

How did you find this course? “Thank you for this excellent course. For me the most important lesson was to read the question and look at the data carefully. Quality over quantity.” [2016]

How did you find this course? “I too, enjoyed the course. It’s been really useful in brushing up my skills. The course has also taught me not to “panic” but to break a problem down into manageable steps. The only criticism – there’s an awful lot of material to go through in three weeks. My skills have been both refreshed and improved. Thanks.” [2016]

How did you find this course? “I simply cannot express adequately the revelation that this course has been to me. I first understood in primary school at the age of 4 ½ that I had enormous difficulties with numeracy. It wasn't brilliantly taught and never developed the slightest confidence or feeling for numbers. From the very first steps of this course a door has opened for me. I'm astounded at how enthralling I found everything that I was learning. I followed each video slowly, challenging myself to work on the problems step by step before the working was explained. I enjoyed the quizzes and to my amazement got totally caught up in the fascinating logic of working with numbers. …...” [2015]

Thank you! www.futurelearn.com/courses/numeracy-skills Dr Janette Matthews J.Matthews@lboro.ac.uk