Abstract

CASTANEDA, Apolo  and  SANCHEZ-AGUILAR, Mario. Mathematical competencies required to interpret the Communications from the Mexican health authority on Covid-19. Prax. Saber [online]. 2022, vol.13, n.33, pp.170-188.  Epub Mar 06, 2023. ISSN 2216-0159.  https://doi.org/10.19053/22160159.v13.n33.2022.12899.

This article aims to identify the mathematical competencies required by a citizen to interpret the information reported by the Mexican health authority on the evolution of the Covid-19 pandemic. Fifty-nine health reports in video format that were broadcast between February and April of 2020 were selected. For the analysis, a methodology integrated by the categories of the health arithmetic and the mathematical competencies was formulated. The dimensions of coverage, radius of action, and technical level were considered. This allowed for describing the type and the degree of proficiency in the receptive modality for reading and interpreting the information presented in the reports. In order to interpret pandemic-related information, the results show that competencies, mostly advanced, in modeling, representation, symbols, and mathematical calculation are required in the areas of information processing, arithmetic, and functions. Considering the low performance of Mexican students and adult population in standardized tests, it is estimated that only a low percentage of the population could follow the mathematical argumentation and make consequent decisions based on the information reported in the press conferences on Covid-19.

Keywords : mathematical competencies; health arithmetic; Covid-19 pandemic.

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