Adults, Mathematics and Work

From Research Into Practice
Erscheinungsjahr 2018
ISBN: 978-90-04-38175-9
Verlag: Brill

Buch, Englisch, 174 Seiten, Format (B × H): 160 mm x 239 mm, Gewicht: 376 g

Adults use mathematics extensively in work even though they may deny it or dismiss their numerate behaviour as common sense. Their capacity for mathematics is invisible to them and confirms their ‘non-maths person’ self-perception, which has negative consequences for their life choices. In Adults, Mathematics and Work, the authors tackle and explain a number of paradoxes related to the curious relationship between adults and mathematics. It operationalises the benefits of workplace doctoral research by providing a set of the tools to review this mistaken self-perception in order to make workers’ abilities available for development. It also provides a systematic way of uncovering and recognising informal and non-formal learning to support employability and re-employability in an increasingly fluid work-landscape.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Keogh, John J

Maguire, Theresa

O'Donoghue, John

Fachgebiete

• Mathematik | Informatik Mathematik Mathematik Allgemein
• Sozialwissenschaften Pädagogik Berufliche Bildung Wirtschaftspädagogik, Berufspädagogik
• Sozialwissenschaften Pädagogik Teildisziplinen der Pädagogik Erwachsenenbildung, lebenslanges Lernen

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Foreword

Diana Coben

Acknowledgements

List of Figures and Tables

Chapter 1: Introduction: What This Book Is about

Guide to Structure of the Book

Chapter 2: Adults Using Mathematics in the Workplace: It’s Not Mathematics, It’s Just Common Sense; Part of the Job

Cultural Historical Activity Theory

Competence

Invisible Mathematics in the Workplace

Chapter 3: Identifying and Measuring Mathematics Invisibility in the Workplace: Stripping away the Layers That Hide What a Person Knows about Mathematics

Survey Methodology

Measuring Mathematics Capability

Measuring Mathematics Capability in the Workplace

Numerate Behaviour

Workplace Exploratory Tools

Job-shadowing Case Studies

Impact of Mathematics Invisibility

Chapter 4: Broadening the Scope: Design and Key Findings of the National Survey of People at Work

Characterisation of Workplace Mathematics in the Workplace

Demographics

Frequency of Numerate Behaviour

Quantity and Number

Shape and Space and Pattern and Relationship

Data Handling and Chance

Summary

Chapter 5: Job Shadowing: Four Case Studies of People Engaged in Their Job

Job Shadowing People at Work

Case Study Host Company A

Research Host Company B

Case Study 1 Rob

Case Study 2 Jim

Case Study 3 ‘Laura’

Case Study 4 ‘M’

Mathematics Invisibility in the Workplace

Summary

Discussion

A Workplace Contextualisation of Mathematics

Accountability

Clarity

Familiarity

Stressors

Volatility

Workplace Context-Complexity Protocol

Chapter 6: From Research into Practice: How to Bring the Benefit of Research to Learners

Extended NFQ Illustrated

Extended NFQ – Case Study 1

Extended NFQ – Case Study 2

Extended NFQ – Case Study 3

Extended NFQ – Case Study 4

Recruitment Dichotomy

Implications: Learners, Curriculum, Tutors, Policy, Standards & RPL

Research Instruments Modified for Practical Implementation

How This Approach Works

Why Does It Matter?

Appendices

References

Über Autor(innen)

John J. Keogh, PhD (2013), after a 30 year career in Shipping, now lectures in Mathematics and Statistics. His research interest is mathematics in work and he published Work Based Learning in the Further Education & Training Sector (Keogh, 2016).

Theresa Maguire, PhD (2003), University of Limerick, has a lifelong passion for adult mathematics education. She has worked with the National Awards Council and at the academic/employer interface. She is currently Director of the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education.

John O’Donoghue, PhD (1978), University of Loughborough, UK, is Emeritus Associate Professor of Mathematics Education, University of Limerick, Ireland. He has served as chair of Adults Learning Mathematics -- A Research Forum, and contributed to various publications in adult mathematics/numeracy including journal articles, book chapters, and conference proceedings.