Over a third of students are affected by numerical illiteracy. 16% are facing significant difficulties

Numerical illiteracy affects more than a third (36%) of Romanian students, with nearly 16% experiencing significant difficulties, according to a study conducted by Asociația pentru Valori în Educație (AVE Romania) and Brio.

Numerical illiteracy steadily increases from an average of 25% in primary school to 36% in middle school and 46% in high school. Boys generally demonstrate a higher level of numerical functionality compared to girls, with this difference remaining consistent across all educational cycles.

Significant differences in functional numerical illiteracy were observed based on students’ backgrounds. Students from rural areas exhibit the highest levels of numerical illiteracy, at 58.16%, while those from large urban areas record the lowest levels, at 22.23%. In primary school, numerical illiteracy is already very high in rural areas (42.86%) compared to large urban areas (15.45%).

The results also highlight a strong correlation between socio-economic status and the level of numerical functionality. Students from the highest socio-economic category have the lowest rates of numerical illiteracy, while students from the lowest socio-economic category show the highest level of numerical illiteracy, with significant differences between the extremes.

Numerical literacy refers to the ability to understand, interpret, and use mathematical information in various aspects of daily, professional, and social life. In everyday activities, this includes, among other things, the ability to calculate bank interest rates, interpret utility tariffs, compare commercial offers, or estimate costs for different products and services.

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