The problem field of Adults Learning Mathematics

In the borderland between mathematics education and adult education a new research field was cultivated, and an international research forum was formed in the 1990’s: Adults Learning Mathematics. The subject area encompasses formal adult mathematics education as well as adults’ informal mathematics learning in the communities of everyday practice. The key concept is numeracy and the problem field is related to adults, mathematics and lifelong education. This paper presents a current picture of international research in adults learning mathematics. Three examples of research and developmental projects related to adults engaged in specific social practices are given: parents, landless peasants, and nurses