Mathematics literacy as the panacea for sustainable development goals and its mathematical model

Abstract

This paper focuses on mathematics literacy as a panacea for sustainable development goals. In this paper, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division (+,−,×,÷) are identified as the mathematics literacy that will ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. The paper revealed that the basic operation in mathematics is the key to promoting sustained inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full productive employment and decent work for all. However, this study pointed out factors that enhance the teaching and learning of mathematics literacy which in turn improves the student academic performance in mathematics, sciences and all subjects. Such factors are as follows teacher factor: methodology, poor salary, expertise skill, personality quality, lack of in-depth knowledge of the subject matter, teacher and student relationship; family background: marital conflict; environmental factor: school site and facilities; lack of finance, curriculum factor: giving short time to learn basic operations and lack of attention to the concepts multiplication and division; use of calculators at early age (6years old); technological factor: distraction from telephones and computers; student factor: undeveloped intelligent quotient, poor study habit, attitude, peer pressure, hatred for the teacher and subject, laziness, reading mathematics like textbook instead of solving mathematics, misconception ''mathematics is difficult'', lack of concentration, anxiety, fear, tension, lack of motivation, emotional upset, confusion, resentment, frustration, and stress; students and teachers internal well-being (health); and drug abuse on the side of the teachers and students. This study revealed that when these factors are resolved and utilized adequately, improves the students' academic performance thereby satisfying all the 17 points for sustainable development goals in the life of an individual, society and the world at large. Lastly, four compartmental deterministic systems were developed which consist of the population for addition A(t), subtraction S(t), multiplication M(t) and division D(t) respectively. This study also considered two initial conditions and the total population of individuals that had mathematics literacy skills.