Quantitative Reasoning

Quantitative Reasoning (QR) is a designation at Central Michigan University to identify courses committed to enhancing learners' mathematical ability by using quantitative processes to organize content and address everyday problems. Some institutions refer to this as quantitative literacy, or QL, courses. According to a rubric from the Association of American Colleges and Universities (2009), quantitative literacy is demonstrated when one can:

Interpret – Explain information presented in mathematical forms (e.g., equations, graphs, diagrams, tables, words).
Represent – Convert relevant information into various mathematical forms (e.g., equations, graphs, diagrams, tables, words).
Calculate – Determine a mathematical value.
Apply/Analyze – Make judgments and draw appropriate conclusions based on quantitative analysis of data while recognizing the limits of this analysis.
Make Assumptions – Make and evaluate important assumptions in estimation, modeling, and data analysis.
Communicate – Express quantitative evidence in support of the argument of the purpose of the work (e.g., determining what data is used as evidence, formatting and presenting data appropriately, contextualizing the data appropriately).

Learn more about CMU's General Education program and its competency requirements, including coursework in quantitative reasoning.

Resources related to quantitative literacy across the curriculum

Center for Mathematics and Quantitative Education at Dartmouth College: Offers links to resources for college and university QL education in a wide variety of disciplines including art, literature, the sciences, and mathematics. Most are downloadable at no cost.
Calculation vs. Context: Quantitative Literacy and its Implications for Teacher Education. Contains an online text of various scholars’ approaches to QL training and approaches in teacher education and across the disciplines.

References

Association of American Colleges and Universities. (2009). Quantitative Literacy VALUE Rubric. Retrieved from
https://www.aacu.org/value/rubrics/quantitative-literacy