Adults’ Use of Mathematics and Its Influence on Mathematical Competence

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Authors

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.

Original languageEnglish
JournalInternational Journal of Science and Mathematics Education
Volume15
Issue number1
Pages (from-to)155–174
Number of pages20
ISSN1571-0068
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01.01.2017

    Research areas

  • Empirical education research - Adults, Mathematical competence , Mathematical literacy , Mathematical requirements of the job , Use of mathematics