Factors related to basic numeracy skills of adults in Turkey

Abstract

The first aim of this study is to investigate the level of basic numeracy skills of adults in Turkey. Secondly, it aims to determine educational and non-educational factors in predicting the basic numeracy skills of adults. The data was collected with three instruments; these are demograpic information form, numeracy attitute scale, and basic numeracy skill test paper. Research participants were selected from six Ismek course centers at the beginning of 2010- 2011 course term. The level of basic numeracy skills of adults were analyzed descriptively. The result indicates that the participants were found as highly in need of numeracy education, especially for these four subjects: using tables, charts, diagrams and line graphs to present results; selecting and use suitable methods and forms to present and describe outcomes; approximating by rounding; and finding the range for a set of data. For analyzing the factors predicting basic numeracy skills, the multiple linear regression method and one way ANOVA was used. Educational backgroud, father‟s educational background, mother‟s educational background for female participants and numeracy attitude were found as highly significant for predicting the basic numeracy skills of participants, whereas gender, age, and mother‟s educational background for male participants were not. The results indicated the necessity of establishing a national policy and curriculum for adult numeracy education in Turkey.