Using Productive Pedagogy to Improve the Teaching and Learning of Practical Numeracy with Adult Learners

Abstract

In 2001, the Queensland State Government in Australia developed the Productive Pedagogy (PP) framework for teaching that aims at improving students’ achievement and engagement in the study of mathematics and other subjects across all school levels. Today, PP is widely used as both a research tool and as a means for self-reflection on practice by teachers. However, little research has been conducted on the effectiveness of PP as a framework in cultures other than the Western world. This paper discusses how 7 elements of the PP were utilised to design student projects in order to enhance the teaching and learning of Practical Numeracy (PN) among young adult Arab women. Data analysis suggests that the adoption of PP framework in this context has helped to improve the teaching and learning of the PN course, has contributed to the increase of the students’ engagement in mathematics classes and promoted their active citizenship.

Keywords: Practical Numeracy; Productive Pedagogy; Mathematical Enriched Worksheet