Abstract
This article examines the impact of contextual learning on the development of functional literacy of 5th grade students. The main purpose of the study was to identify the effectiveness of contextual tasks aimed at various spheres of life in improving the level of mathematical literacy and critical thinking among schoolchildren. The introduction of tasks related to personal, social, professional and scientific contexts has shown its high effectiveness. When developing contextual tasks, special attention was paid to such aspects as personal, social, professional and scientific. Repeated diagnostics after the implementation of these tasks showed a significant improvement in the level of functional literacy of students. The average scores in all contexts have increased significantly, which indicates an increase in skills in budget management, planning, organizing social projects, developing business plans and conducting scientific research. The results of the study emphasize the need to continue working in this direction, expand the range of contextual tasks and conduct regular diagnostics. The information gathered can be utilized to create fresh curricula and initiatives that will help kids’ functional literacy grow. As a result, incorporating contextual assignments into the curriculum enhances learning and equips students to handle challenges that arise in the real world. Keywords: Contextual learning, functional literacy, mathematical literacy, critical thinking, contextual tasks, learning tasks.