Basic research on the development of mathematics utilisation skills that contribute to problem solving in real-life situations

In today’s modern world, in which technology is everywhere, there is a new focus on the importance of mathematics, technology and data science. There is a need for appropriate education to ensure literacy in these skills and the equivocality of mathematical literacy is an important factor. As someone who is in charge of classes in mathematical literacy, information literacy and data science literacy, Associate Professor Joji Goto sees first hand the challenges facing the education industry in these areas and wants to help solve them. He has a background in mathematics and education and is passionate about the impact knowledge of maths can have in people’s daily lives. In his latest project, Goto, who is based in the Institute of Education and Student Affairs at Niigata University in Japan, is developing mathematics utilisation skills that contribute to problem solving in real-life situations. He is considering the kinds of problems that could use mathematics and believes this awareness of the relationship between mathematics and real-world situations will enhance the application of mathematics in the real world. Studies have found students’ to have negative views on mathematics and also the narrow view that they are studying the topic only to pass exams. Students may avoid learning mathematics as they don’t believe it is useful or applicable to daily life. Goto wants to change this perception of the subject and, in doing so, expand students’ possibilities and enrich their learning.