Functional Numeracy

Having a firm grasp of basic mathematics and the workings of money and how to better spend, save and budget will put you at an advantage for the rest of your life. Being able to do the before mentioned will literally increase what your current earnings provide you with and what it will provide you with in future. Take some time and work through the following and you will find yourself better in charge of your finances while moving towards potential financial freedom!

Why do you need numeracy? Read this article: critical numeracy and see if your mind is changed about numbers!

Numeracy and employment

Use Wikipedia.org to understand the concepts and to learn more from the concepts mentioned on the web pages. Your proficiency in numeracy will have an impact in your thinking and working. To get access to the world of work you need to understand numbers, and the meaning there of. You must be able to think and express yourself effectively in quantitative terms. Here you will become aware of numbers in your every day life.

Use www.Idoceonline.com to look up words related to numbers.
Longman's definition for numeracy is the following: "the ability to do calculations and understand simple mathematics".

The UK's Department for Education and Skills defines numeracy in their National Strategy documents as follows:
"Numeracy is a proficiency which is developed mainly in mathematics but also in other subjects. It is more than an ability to do basic arithmetic. It involves developing confidence and competence with numbers and measures. It requires understanding of the number system, a repertoire of mathematical techniques, and an inclination and ability to solve quantitative or spatial problems in a range of contexts. Numeracy also demands understanding of the ways in which data are gathered by counting and measuring, and presented in graphs, diagrams, charts and tables."

Financial numbers

Do you wish your money could go farther? Do you want to save more?
Money Basics discusses money management, banking, retirement planning, and more.

Start learning the skills you need to better manage your money.
Follow the gcf lessons do all this:
http://www.gcflearnfree.org/math/topic.aspx?id=27

Register on this website and explore the free resources on Calcadot.
Start of by learning all about a personal budget on:
http://www.calcadot.co.za/Personal-Income/iBegin-Your-Personal-Budget.html

Discuss with your Group:
How much money can you save in banking on Internet and electronically? What other advantages can you identify?

Exercises:
- Keep your diary of expenditure in Excel
- Calculate your work life income
- Start a personal budget

Numbers and thinking practice

Sciences help you to grow words and insights while you develop thinking and awareness.
Keep using online dictionaries, Wikipedia and other resources extensively.

Exercise:

Do the quizzes, exercises and have challenges and fun as you use websites like these: http://regentsprep.org/Regents/math/math-a.cfm#a7

Another maths quiz to assess your skill with numbers:
http://www.thatquiz.org/

Use gcf learn free to learn the basic mathematical skills:
http://www.gcflearnfree.org/math/topic.aspx?id=25

Career numeracy

Look at how numeracy is necessary for most careers: http://www.notrain-nogain.org/Train/Res/Num/NUM.asp

Discuss in your group how numbers are useful in the following careers:
- Newsroom training
- Sciences
- Social development and statistics
- Business (IRR, ROI, ROA, etc)
- Health industry