User:Johnbibby/Functional mathematics

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Functional mathematics is an old idea which has recentrly been dressed in new clothes. The QCA defines it as follows: [1]

“(T)he basis of the functional skills standards for mathematics is the Functional mathematics process skills. (These are) fundamental to individuals being able to use mathematics effectively in life and work (and include) ability to • understand and make sense of mathematical information • use and process that information • interpret and analyse the results of their activity • present this to others. The key attributes of these process skills are presented below …

• • Representing: Making sense of situations and representing them

A learner can:

• recognise that a situation has aspects that can be represented using mathematics
• make an initial model of a situation using suitable forms of representation
• decide on the me hods, operations and tools, including ICT, to use in a situation
• select the mathematical information to use

• • Analysing : Processing and using the mathematics

A learner can:

• use appropriate mathematical procedures
• examine patterns and relationships
• change values and assumptions or adjust relationships to see the effects on answers in the model
• find results and solutions

• • • Interpreting: Interpreting and communicating the results of the analysis

A learner can:

• interpret results and solutions
• draw conclusions in the light of the situation
• consider the appropriateness and accuracy of the resultsand conclusions
• choose appropriate language and forms of presentation to communicate results and conclusions