The major challenges facing educators and the community will be explored at the inaugural Queensland Numeracy Summit at the Pullman Hotel, Brisbane on Tuesday, June 16.
Supported by Griffith University’s School of Education and Professional Studies, the Queensland College of Teachers and the Queensland Deans of Education Forum, the summit will discuss ways to equip teachers with numerate practices in 21st Century classrooms.
Griffith University Education Dean, Professor Donna Pendergast said numeracy was not to be confused with mathematics.
“It’s an essential life skill that cuts across all disciplines — music, arts, science, health and education,’’ she said.
“We wantall students to have the confidence to deal with mathematical concepts in everyday situations, whether it’s planning a budget, or just working out a mobile phone plan.”
Emceed by media personality, Adam Spencer, the summit follows the Queensland College of Teachers Numeracy Forum held the day prior. Outcomes from the forum will be discussed at the summit.
“The summit will identify proactive strategies, construct a shared philosophy and develop strategies to enhance student outcomes,’’ Professor Pendergast said.
“Working with the Queensland Deans of Education Forum and the Queensland College of Teachers, we want numeracy to be incorporated across all our initial teacher education and postgraduate education courses.”
Summit speakers include:
Lauren Stephenson — Director, Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist: “The Importance of numeracy education for Queensland STEM industries”.
Dr Stefan Hajkowicz — Principal scientist and Leader of CSIRO Futures: “Global Megatrends and the Educational and Skills Requirements of Tomorrow’s Digitally Enabled Knowledge Economy”.
Professor Merrilyn Goos — Head of the School of Education at the University of Queensland: “Conceptualising and Enacting Numeracy Across the Curriculum”.
Ms Deanne Commins — Executive Manager, Professional Standards, Queensland College of Teachers: “Overview of key outcomes from the Queensland College of Teachers Forum”.
Professor Tom Lowrie — Professor of Mathematics, University of Canberra: “What is the evidence-based numeracy research telling us?”
WHAT: Queensland Numeracy Summit
WHEN: Tuesday, June 16, 9am-4pm
WHERE: The Pullman Hotel, King George Square, Brisbane.