Abstract
In this paper, the author explores mathematical literacy which children today and in the future should learn in mathematics education, and aims to describe a way of fostering it. For that purpose, first, historical deployment of the word "literacy" is examined, and the background of today's literacy theories is clarified. Discussion is then focused on today's society, which is considered from the viewpoint of mathematics. The orientation of mathematical literacy required today is clarified in the form of literacy in mathematics education, and ways of fostering it are examined. Mathematical literacy is the total knowledge and competence which all children in school should learn, these are also needed for participating in society beyond school. On that basis, it is argued that methods of mathematics as applied orientation are emphasized in today's society, which is not to say that attention should not be paid to other aspects of mathematical literacy. Therefore, in a curriculum or teaching and learning, while emphasizing methods of mathematics as applied orientation, it is necessary to take into consideration the whole of mathematical literacy. In this paper, it is argued that it is effective to pay attention to abstraction of phenomena that constitute a phase of mathematical activity when emphasizing methods of mathematics as applied orientation and making connection with other components.
