The word "algebra" seems almost non-existent in New Zealand policy and reports documents on adult numeracy education. Astonishingly, the word is entirely absent from the learning progressions for adult numeracy. Why?
A possible reason might be that many of the people driving policy in adult numeracy in New Zealand lack a sound mathematical background. Their strength is in literacy, not numeracy. Of course the very word "algebra" can strike an anxiety attack for many.
However, the essence of algebra is the ability to see patterns and relationships, and then generalize. It is algebra (among other things) that makes mathematics and, dare I say, numeracy powerful. Without algebra, modernity could not exist.
This website discusses whether "informal algebra" should be on the "honest list" for adult numeracy.
Teachers Investigation Adult Numeracy or TIAN certianly do not overlook the issue of algebra in numeracy teaching. Take a look at this website and it's conceptualization of algebra.
This article discusses why algebra is a key component of adult numeracy education. It points to some of the pitfalls to avoid in teaching algebra and how it might be effectively taught to adult students. In particular, it warns of the dangers of staying at the procedural level when teaching algebra.
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