Transforming ethnomathematical ideas in western mathematics curriculum texts

Dickenson-Jones, Amelia (2008) Transforming ethnomathematical ideas in western mathematics curriculum texts. Mathematics Education Research Journal, 20 (3). pp. 32-53.

[img] PDF (Published Version) - Published Version
Restricted to Repository staff only

View at Publisher Website: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF03217529
 
6
4


Abstract

When ethnomathematical ideas, that is, the mathematical ideas of different cultural groups, are included in mathematics curriculum texts they can become part of the learning experience in various ways. Once included in western classroom mathematics texts, the ethnomathematical ideas become transformed. The transformations involve changes in form or purpose. The study reported here investigated how indigenous cultural practices are transformed when relocated from their original contexts to the western classroom mathematics curriculum. This paper describes the development of a conceptual model that illustrates five different modes of transformation that may occur when indigenous cultural practices are incorporated in mathematics curriculum texts. To illustrate aspects of the model the paper includes an example concerning the Australian Aboriginal practice of throwing a returning boomerang. The model provides a way for students and teachers to critically reflect on the ways that ethnomathematical ideas become transformed when used in the classroom. An awareness of how cultural practices are transformed may also allow teachers constructing their own curriculum texts to choose the most appropriate modes of transformation.

Item ID: 19392
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 2201-050X
Date Deposited: 17 Jan 2012 06:21
FoR Codes: 13 EDUCATION > 1302 Curriculum and Pedagogy > 130208 Mathematics and Numeracy Curriculum and Pedagogy @ 100%
SEO Codes: 93 EDUCATION AND TRAINING > 9399 Other Education and Training > 939999 Education and Training not elsewhere classified @ 100%
Downloads: Total: 4
More Statistics

Actions (Repository Staff Only)

Item Control Page Item Control Page