A Conceptual Framework – The Model for Teaching Numeracy in Context
The ideas related to numeracy outlined above, particularly the Numeracy Framework
(Hogan, 2000; Willis, 1998), informed and were incorporated in the Model for Teaching
Numeracy in Context (Figure 1) that became the conceptual framework for the study. This
model was based on the notion that the different modes of thinking in the Numeracy
Framework, that is mathematical, contextual and strategic thinking, could be developed by
using the Mathematical Search and associated teaching and learning strategies. The
Mathematical Search was devised by the researcher and was used on four occasions by the
researcher during the course of the study. It was developed with the intent of ascertaining
whether or not a specific strategy of that type could enhance the capacity of students to
recognise and use mathematical ideas embedded in a variety of contexts. In the study, only
written contexts were used. Students had not used the Mathematical Search prior to their
involvement in the study.
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