the Netherlands | Common European Numeracy Framework

Hogeschool Utrecht (HU) is a large university of applied sciences in the heart of the Utrecht region. Every day, around 3,050 lecturers deliver high-quality education to over 39,400 students, responding to current developments and fostering talent. Approximately 450 researchers, 54 professors, and over 120 PhD candidates conduct practice-oriented research, driving innovation and knowledge development. Nearly 1,450 support staff ensure smooth operations.

At HU, collaboration between researchers, lecturers, and professionals is growing. Researchers and professionals actively contribute to education, while lecturers increasingly participate in research. This exchange strengthens ties with society and the professional field, promoting solutions to societal challenges.

The research group Mathematical and Analytical Competence of Professionals examines the mathematical and analytical skills adults need in a rapidly evolving, technology-driven world. We provide research-informed learning activities, professional development materials, and up-to-date literature on Numeracy to adults and their teachers. Our goal is to empower (future) professionals with the confidence and problem-solving mindset needed to address mathematical, numerical, and statistical challenges in the workplace.

Kees Hoogland is professor of Mathematical and Analytical Competence of Professionals at the University of Applied Sciences Utrecht in The Netherlands. Kees has worked as mathematics teacher, teacher educator, researcher, textbook author, and international consultant. He is member of the OECD Numeracy Expert Group for the second cycle of PIAAC and (former) project leader of the European Union Erasmus+ projects Common European Numeracy Framework and Numeracy in Practice.

Lonneke Boels is a senior researcher within the Mathematical and Analytical Competence of Professionals research group at Hogeschool Utrecht since August 2022, where she holds the position of acting professor since May 2023. She researches how mathematical and analytical competence, including Numeracy, can be acquired by adults, students and professionals. She taught mathematics for about twenty years, mainly in secondary education but also primary, tertiary (teacher-education) and vocational education. She completed two masters degrees (Electrical Engineering and Mathematics Teaching) and holds a PhD in mathematics education.

Anita Alexander is a senior researcher and associate professor within the Mathematical and Analytical Competencies of Professionals research group at Hogeschool Utrecht. She is interested in improving the mathematical literacy and mindset of K – 12 educators and university instructors through inquiry and differentiation. She is currently conducting research and implementing professional development for increasing numeracy in prison education contexts, and translanguaging in public schools in the Netherlands. Anita obtained her Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction following a master’s degree in pure mathematics. She has 20 years of teaching experience in mathematics and mathematics education, along with curriculum and instruction courses.