Mathematical Tasks in TEDx Format for Enhancing Students’ Functional Literacy

Abstract

                In the rapidly evolving educational landscape of the 21st century, the development of students’ functional literacy has become a central objective of modern schooling systems. Functional literacy in mathematics is no longer limited to performing calculations but extends to the ability to apply mathematical knowledge in real-life contexts, interpret data, and make reasoned decisions. However, traditional instructional approaches often fail to engage students and connect abstract mathematical concepts with practical applications.

               This study explores the potential of TEDx-style mathematical tasks as an innovative pedagogical tool for enhancing students’ functional literacy. The research aims to design, implement, and evaluate a set of mathematics tasks structured in a TEDx format, incorporating storytelling, real-world problem contexts, and interactive discussion. A quasi-experimental design was employed with secondary school students, comparing an experimental group exposed to   TEDx-based tasks with a control group receiving traditional instruction.

              The findings indicate that students participating in TEDx-style learning activities demonstrate significantly higher levels of engagement, improved problem-solving abilities, and a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts in real-life situations. The study contributes to the growing body of research on innovative teaching methods and provides practical recommendations for integrating storytelling and real-world contexts into mathematics education.