Mathematics in 21st Century Life

Kissane, B. (2016) Mathematics in 21st Century Life. In: Toh, P.C. and Kaur, B., (eds.) Developing 21st Century Competencies in the Mathematics Classroom. World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., pp. 51-75.

Abstract

School mathematics in the 21st century seems likely to be characterized in part by new expectations regarding the complex lives of students after they leave school. In this chapter, an analysis of four domains of 21st century life is provided: working, shopping, participating in society and personal satisfaction. A productive worker will need to use the mathematics they have learned at school in the increasingly rapidly changing world of work. A careful consumer will need to develop expertise in understanding the many choices they need to make regularly over the course of their adult lives. The informed citizen will need to engage with, understand and even contribute to the rapidly changing world of information in the 21st century for both personal and national benefit. The balanced person will need to become aware of and appreciate mathematical perspectives on everyday events and on mathematics itself. Some examples are offered in each of these domains, recognizing that an important part of the craft of mathematics teaching is to interpret and implement the curriculum to achieve the best outcomes for students. While some of these outcomes are determined by short-term transition from school to later study, others require a longer perspective.

Item Type:	Book Chapter
Murdoch Affiliation(s):	School of Education
Publisher:	World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd.
Copyright:	2016 World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd.
URI:	http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/36385

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