Mathematical knowledge is an essential building block of learning for all in society. In many countries, it is a compulsory school subject framed by curriculum deemed fit by authorities in the country. So, in some ways the curriculum is dependent on societal and global needs. Therefore, it is critical that students acquire mathematical knowledge and skills for their present and future needs. As such mathematical literacy is a cornerstone of school mathematics. The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) carried out periodically for 15-year-olds by OECD encapsulates mathematical literacy as “an individual’s capacity to reason mathematically and to formulate, employ, and interpret mathematics to solve problems in a variety of real-world contexts. It includes concepts, procedures, facts, and tools to describe, explain and predict phenomena”. This lecture explores possibilities for nurturing such literacy amongst mathematics learners in elementary schools.

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