Why is maths important?
Daily I deal with the
question. Why is maths important? Or what will I need this for in the real
world? In short my answer is always that Maths gives young people a powerful
set of tools to use in understanding and changing the world in which they live
to develop logic, reasoning,
problem-solving skills, and the ability to think in theoretical ways. To
understand that we can travel forward in time if only we can travel close to
the speed of light!!!
Below I seek to explore the
answer to the question more deeply. Not only for my students but for myself.
There is a great
deal of inventiveness in Maths. Understanding its rules, and discovering new
routes and formulas creates a happiness in many young people as they learn to
solve problems. Taking it to the next level by finding more effective solutions
to problems.
I remember the amazing
day when I discovered how to calculate my 9 xs tables using my hands. Mathematics
was never my strong point and no amount of rote learning could help me
remember much about multiplication. Understanding the basics was a great way to
simplify what for me seemed so far outside my reach.
Maths is used in
our everyday lives much more that we know or than we account for. It is used in
the calculation of bills, mortgage rates, credit card rates but it goes further.
When we paint our homes, how many litres of paint we may need or how far our cars
will get us on the petrol we have put it in. Being adept at maths to at least a
basic functional level is essential for life. No one wants to go for the highest
mortgage rate because they do not understand the product they are being sold.
Maybe if we were all better at maths we would have understood that the banks
were scamming us with PPI insurance. Decisions in life are so often based on
mathematical information: to make the best choices, we need to be numerate.
Did you know?
Those who have limited or no maths skills find it harder to get into work. Recent data has shown a direct comparison between your wage and maths skills.
It can also affect your health
“UK basic skills reports, the link between poor maths and poor health is clear;
data from the British Cohort Studies have shown that there is also a connection
between depression and poor maths”. It
also causes social problems. People with mathematic problems are more likely to
be expelled from educational organisations. Those with low level maths skills
are less likely to attend educational organisation continuing the cycle and exasperating
the problem. A quarter of young
people in custody have a maths level below that expected of a 7 year old, and
65% of adult prisoners have maths skills at or below the level expected of an
11 year olds.
In short to all my students. You need maths
for:
Your health
Your self esteem
Your job prospects
Your happiness
And much, much more.
Cedainne Hart
Centre for Leadership and Management Development
18-36 Wellington Street
Woolwich
SE18 6PF
02083177380
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