Understanding Mathematical Competence in Everyday Life

Understanding Mathematical Competence

Mathematical competence is the ability to use and relate numbers, basic operations, and forms of expression and mathematical reasoning. This skill is used both to produce and interpret different types of information, to expand knowledge on quantitative and spatial aspects of reality, and to resolve problems related to everyday life and the workplace.

Components of Mathematical Competence

Mathematical competence (Comp) is part of the ability to interpret and express with clarity and precision information, data, and arguments. This competency:

• Increases the real possibility to continue learning throughout life, both within and outside of school.
• Favors effective participation in social life.

This competition also involves the understanding and management of basic mathematical elements (different types of numbers, measures, symbols, geometric elements, etc.) in real or simulated situations of everyday life, and putting into practice reasoning processes leading to the solution of problems or the collection of information. These processes allow you to apply that information to a wider range of situations.

It's crucial to:

• Follow chains of arguments.
• Identify the key ideas.
• Estimate the logic and validity of arguments and information.

In IMPACT, mathematical competence determines the ability to use thought processes (intuition, deduction, etc.) and apply computational algorithms or elements of logic. This leads to identifying the validity of the arguments and assessing the degree of certainty associated with results from valid arguments.

Disposition and Application

Mathematical competence implies a favorable disposition and progressive safety and confidence in the information and the situation (problems, unknowns, etc.) that contain mathematical elements or media, and their use when the situation warrants, based on respect and liking for certainty and in his quest through reasoning.

This competition becomes real and meaningful to the extent the elements and mathematical reasoning are used to deal with everyday situations that require them. Therefore, the following are linked to it:

• The identification of such situations.
• The application of problem-solving strategies.
• Selection of appropriate techniques to calculate.
• Represent and interpret reality from the available report.

To define the real possibility of using mathematical contexts as varied as possible. Therefore, the development reached in compulsory education as mathematical knowledge is spontaneously applied to a wide variety of situations, from other fields of knowledge and everyday life.

Development and Application in Compulsory Education

The development of mathematical competence at the end of compulsory education demands spontaneously applying elements and mathematical reasoning to:

• Interpret and produce reports.
• Solve everyday problems from social life.
• Make decisions.

In short, it involves applying those skills and attitudes that allow one to reason mathematically, understand mathematical arguments, and express themselves and communicate in mathematical language, using appropriate support tools and integrating mathematical knowledge with other types of knowledge to give a better response to situations of everyday life at different levels of complexity.

MAG: Measurable, extend, scale, absolute, continuous.