“There’s a Reason for all the Numbers”: Using a Literacy Framework in Enabling Education to Bridge the Gap Between Low Adult Numeracy Levels and Undergraduate Mathematics

Abstract

If the Australian government is going to reach its target of 40% of 25–34-year-olds attaining a bachelor degree by 2025, it is critical that enabling courses are properly situated to bridge the gap between the alarmingly low numeracy of the adult population, and the mathematical or quantitative literacy (QL) required for undergraduate study. Yet, however, there is no single, widely accepted model for building the QL of adult learners. Data from students in one enabling course at a regional Australian university was analysed to identify potential congruence between students’ understandings of their mathematics learning and the key elements of the four resources model (4RM), widely used to teach literacy in K-12 environments. Results showed that the 4RM can be mapped on to students’ existing understandings, suggesting the model has strong potential for developing enabling curriculum and helping students prepare for undergraduate mathematics.