Numeracy and further education: Beyond the millennium

This paper raises some mathematics education issues related to an emerging Further Education sector in Irish education. These issues are discussed against a backdrop of extensive experience with a numeracy-type applications-oriented mathematics (AOM) programme for adults and young adults. A practical vision of numeracy is developed as a basis for re-conceptualizing the work of the AOM programme. This vision has potential for integrating the mathematics provision across the sector and taking it forward in a worthwhile manner into the next millennium. Acceptance of this model of numeracy will challenge mathematics educators to address new directions and emphases. The paper concludes by identifying recent developments which are likely to make a significant impact on numeracy research.