Basic skills in real life: numeracy and mathematics

Maths from the ground up

Numeracy is a fundamental part of basic skills. It concerns an individual’s capacity to reason mathematically, to formulate, use and interpret mathematics to solve problems in real-world situations and to make well-founded judgements and decisions based on data.

Recent articles have explored how basic mathematics and numeracy skills can be part of the entire curriculum, and how schools can integrate creativity, games and play into maths education. The aim is to make maths approachable and enjoyable for pupils, and develop their confidence in dealing with numbers in real life.

• Making mathematics inclusive and engaging for all pupils
• Building early childhood mathematics confidence through play
• Raising achievement in mathematics – a Europe-wide challenge
• Numeracy as applied mathematics
• Insights from eTwinning workshops on numeracy
• Numeracy and basic mathematics are cross-curricular skills

Practical approaches to engaging maths education

In the expert article, Javier Díez-Palomar (University of Barcelona, CREA) discusses strategies for countering low numeracy levels, especially among vulnerable learners. Our tutorial and practice articles explore techniques and tools that can make mathematics learning more interactive and engaging for and accessible to all pupils. The publications focus on curriculum analysis and reform.

• Addressing the educational challenge of low numeracy by Javier Díez-Palomar from the University of Barcelona and CREA
• Bringing play into mathematics learning using digital tools  
• Reimagining how students engage with mathematics
• Mathematics as a collaborative journey
• An evolution of mathematics curricula: past, present and future by OECD
• Teaching mathematics for success: data-driven analysis by European Commission

Professional development materials on numeracy and maths

Advance your teaching practice via our webinars and course materials (available for self-paced learning):

• Online course: Enhance numeracy skills with eTwinning projects
• Online course: Empowering teachers and students through self-regulated learning
• Online course: Supporting children’s numeracy: the role of the home learning environment
• Webinar recording: Collaborative maths learning with European prize winners
• Webinar recording: Introducing numeracy in ECEC with STEAM songs and storytelling
• Online tutorial: Addressing maths anxiety and building students' confidence in maths