TY - JOUR

T1 - Adults’ Use of Mathematics and Its Influence on Mathematical Competence

AU - Duchhardt, Christoph

AU - Jordan, Anne-Katrin

AU - Ehmke, Timo

PY - 2017/1/1

Y1 - 2017/1/1

N2 - The Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) has recently drawn additional attention to “mathematical literacy” as an important influential factor for individuals’ life chances. High levels of mathematical literacy have thereby been linked to using mathematics in daily and working life frequently. In this paper, based on the data from Germany, we focus on the construct “use of mathematics” in two ways: First, we analyze in depth how it can be utilized to describe different groups of adults. Second, we investigate its role as predictor of mathematical competence and mediator of other relevant background variables. Results show that three groups of adults can be distinguished that use mathematics differently in daily and working life. However, the construct can sensibly be described as unidimensional. In a path model, “use of mathematics” turns out to be the strongest predictor of mathematical competence. In addition, it mediates effects of the mathematical requirements of the job, duration of education, and gender.

AB - The Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) has recently drawn additional attention to “mathematical literacy” as an important influential factor for individuals’ life chances. High levels of mathematical literacy have thereby been linked to using mathematics in daily and working life frequently. In this paper, based on the data from Germany, we focus on the construct “use of mathematics” in two ways: First, we analyze in depth how it can be utilized to describe different groups of adults. Second, we investigate its role as predictor of mathematical competence and mediator of other relevant background variables. Results show that three groups of adults can be distinguished that use mathematics differently in daily and working life. However, the construct can sensibly be described as unidimensional. In a path model, “use of mathematics” turns out to be the strongest predictor of mathematical competence. In addition, it mediates effects of the mathematical requirements of the job, duration of education, and gender.

KW - Empirical education research

KW - Adults

KW - Mathematical competence

KW - Mathematical literacy

KW - Mathematical requirements of the job

KW - Use of mathematics

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84941358641&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1007/s10763-015-9670-1

DO - 10.1007/s10763-015-9670-1

M3 - Journal articles

VL - 15

SP - 155

EP - 174

JO - International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education

JF - International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education

SN - 1571-0068

IS - 1

ER -