21st+Century+Mathematics+Skills

Mathematics in Colorado’s description of 21st century skills is a synthesis of the essential abilities students must apply in our rapidly changing world. Today’s mathematics students need a repertoire of knowledge and skills that are more diverse, complex, and integrated than any previous generation. Mathematics is inherently demonstrated in each of Colorado 21st century skills, as follows: __Critical Thinking and Reasoning __ Mathematics is a discipline grounded in critical thinking and reasoning. Doing mathematics involves recognizing problematic aspects of situations, devising and carrying out strategies, evaluating the reasonableness of solutions, and justifying methods, strategies, and solutions. Mathematics provides the grammar and structure that make it possible to describe patterns that exist in nature and society. __Information Literacy __ The discipline of mathematics equips students with tools and habits of mind to organize and interpret quantitative data. Informationally literate mathematics students effectively use learning tools, including technology, and clearly communicate using mathematical language. __Collaboration __ Mathematics is a social discipline involving the exchange of ideas. In the course of doing mathematics, students offer ideas, strategies, solutions, justifications, and proofs for others to evaluate. In turn, the mathematics student interprets and evaluates the ideas, strategies, solutions, justifications and proofs of others. __Self-Direction __ Doing mathematics requires a productive disposition and self-direction. It involves monitoring and assessing one’s mathematical thinking and persistence in searching for patterns, relationships, and sensible solutions. __Invention __ Mathematics is a dynamic discipline, ever expanding as new ideas are contributed. Invention is the key element as students make and test conjectures, create mathematical models of real-world phenomena, generalize results, and make connections among ideas, strategies and solutions.
 * 21st Century Skills and Readiness Competencies ****in Mathematics **