Teaching Math and Numeracy to Adults

Catalog description

ADTED 480 examines issues of learning math as an adult and explores effective strategies for teaching math and numeracy to adults. ADTED 480 Teaching Math and Numeracy to Adults (3) Many international assessments show that the numeracy skills of U.S. adults are lower than those of adults in many other countries and that their numeracy skills are even weaker than their literacy skills. This online course is designed for teachers, administrators, and others concerned with helping adults develop the math skills and abilities they need to function successfully in workplace, educational, and community settings. This course will focus on (1) how adults develop math skills in informal and work contexts and in classes or programs for students who wish to obtain a high school credential; (2) considerations for teaching math to immigrant adults and those with learning disabilities; and (3) the identification and implementation of instructional strategies for helping adults acquire the numeracy skills they need. Using current research from the U.S. and other countries, course participants will consider the benefits and limitations of various instructional and programmatic approaches to helping adults learn. Through this course, students will (1) identify the implications of adult learners'; prior experiences with math and numeracy for the their reengagement with math in a non-formal learning setting; (2) differentiate between numeracy and math and consider the relevance of the distinction to teaching adult learners; (3) identify adult processes for learning math and compare and contrast them with those of children; (4) gain current knowledge about math standards that guide instruction and policy for adults; and (5) develop and evaluate instructional strategies and initiatives to teach math to adults, including accommodating immigrant learners and those with learning disabilities. Further, students will consider the knowledge and skills needed to help adults acquire functional numeracy skills.