Everyday Mathematics

How many times a day do you use mathematics?  Every day we use maths to undertake tasks that many perceive to be mundane. 

Lave (1997) discusses mathematics and culture in everyday life, with the focus on how the learning can transfer from schooling situations to the real world.  Throughout the book Lave gives examples of situations that mathematical skills that have been learnt, can transfer into everyday life. 

For example, within the book the following scenario is used within a class environment:

“Becca has four apples and Maritza has five apples, how many apples in all?

The book then elaborates the scenario to show a mother shopping.  She is considering how many apples she has at home (4)?  How many kids she has (3)?  How many apples they would all eat each day(2)?  How many days worth of apples she will need(3)?  How many apples altogether?

 3(kids) x 2 (per day) = 6

6 x 3 (days) = 18

18 – 4 (at home) = 14

This is just one example of how Lave explains the cognitive ability to transfer information throughout ones life. 

In my day as a parent I use maths multiple times:

• Assessing supplies in the kitchen and using this assessment to decide breakfast options.
• Timing the tooth brushing of children, to ensure teeth are sufficiently cleaned.
• Considering the time of year (season) and checking the temperature (degrees) to decide appropriate clothing to wear.
• Reading the time and calculating time available to get ready, to be on time.
• Check fuel quantity in car (full / three quarters / half / quarter) and making decisions about refueling. 
• Using money to pay for coffee on way to work

This is all done prior to starting work at 9am.  As I work within a class I also teach maths during the day, although there are many more examples available.

Reference:

Lave, Jean. (1997).  Cognition in Practice: Mind, Mathematics and Culture in Everyday Life.           Cambridge University Press 1988.  Retrieved from        https://books.google.com.au/books?hl=en&lr=&id=n6eiH3iPVKYC&oi=fnd&pg=PR10&dq=m                athematics+in+everyday+life&ots=ccK7faMrv9&sig=yOd16mvSeJ0-                aZjt4rIR7sHW9DM#v=onepage&q&f=false