Reconsidering Mathematical Literacy

수학적 소양 (Mathematical Literacy)에 대하여

The purpose of this paper is to reconsider the meaning of mathematical literacy based on the investigation of the nature of mathematical knowledge communicated in university level mathematics classes. The analysis of classroom discourse has revealed three different kinds of mathematical knowledge circulated in mathematics class, which include 'factual mathematics', 'mathematical fantasy', and 'mathematical savior faire.' The fact that a mathematics teacher delivers diverse categories of mathematics knowledge suggests that the mathematical literacy is not confined to the development of technical competence. More specifically, the kinds of mathematical knowledge identified above tell that mathematical literacy developed through learning mathematics reflects the cultural norms and values of doing mathematics. This means that mathematical literacy is not merely involve with technical competence but rather with cultural competence. In this regard, this paper highlights the meaning of mathematical literacy as a cultural identity, which has been underestimated in the theory and practice of mathematics education dominated by technocracy of the twentieth century In particular, the notion of mathematical savior faire implies that teaching and teaming mathematics ultimately deals with a system of cultural meaning. Hence, through learning mathematics, a learner gets transformed as a whole person according to the cultural norms and values. In this regard, it is concluded that mathematical literacy can be considered as a necessary condition to become a competent member of mathematics community sharing cultural norms of doing mathematics as well as a repertoire of mathematical skills.