Maths4Life

Tribal was a partner in this three-year project funded by the Skills for Life Strategy Unit at the Department for Education and Skills, which aims to stimulate a positive approach to teaching and learning in mathematics and numeracy in England, focusing on adults from Entry Level to Level 2.

Building on a research foundation, Maths4Life seeks to stimulate demand, increase capacity, support teachers and sustain engagement in learning through building up a body of expertise and good practice in a range of settings, using a variety of methods and media. Pathfinders have been set up to act as research and development sites as well as demonstration projects. The Maths4Life project engages with providers and practitioners in further education colleges, offender institutions, employment sectors, and community and voluntary organisations.

Tribal developed the Maths4Life Numeracy Snapshots, a resource designed to encourage reflection on aspects of teaching and subject support practice in adult numeracy and maths.

As part of the three-year Maths4Life research project, Tribal investigated whether m-learning could engage reluctant learners of numeracy. It resulted in the production of sophisticated m-learning materials, fliers and quizzes, as well as a detailed report. The subject matter – financial literacy – was suggested by the participants in the project, who included family learners, ex-offenders in a community setting, ESOL learners and adult learners. The research findings suggested that not only was m-learning motivating for SfL learners, but that it also added a dimension of confidence to their use of ICT in general, thus reiterating the conclusions of the original project, but with a broader range of learners.