Community Involvement, Mentors, Cultural Relevance, and Discourse Will Build Equity in Mathematics Classrooms

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Community Involvement, Mentors, Cultural Relevance, and Discourse Will Build Equity in Mathematics Classrooms
Language: English
Authors: Rodin, Jennifer
Source: Educational Research: Theory and Practice. 2019 30(1):76-79.
Availability: Northern Rocky Mountain Educational Research Association. Web site: http://www.nrmera.org/educational-research-theory-practice/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 4
Publication Date: 2019
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Elementary Education
Descriptors: Equal Education, Mathematics Education, Disadvantaged Youth, Culturally Relevant Education, American Indian Students, American Indian Culture, Role Models, Mentors, Success, Teaching Methods, College Students, School Community Programs, Elementary School Students, Reservation American Indians
ISSN: 2637-8965
Abstract: Evidence shows that marginalized students reach higher levels of success and empowerment in mathematics courses when role models from their own cultural communities participate in the classroom experience. Discourse, respect, and collaboration are highly valued in Lakota culture, so it is natural to include these protocols in the normative culture of the learning environment. Relevance is always crucial in mathematics education, especially when the standardized text books and curricula often omit specific examples of the mathematics of indigenous people, or ethnomathematics in real life. We instructors need to find ways to make mathematics come alive for our students, so they can see that the world of mathematics is vibrant, accessible to everyone, and always developing in new and exciting ways. Mathematical thinking is something that all of us humans do! Exploring that fact with our students leads to improved mathematics learning, depth of knowledge, empowerment, and satisfaction for all involved.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2020
Accession Number: EJ1248550
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Evidence shows that marginalized students reach higher levels of success and empowerment in mathematics courses when role models from their own cultural communities participate in the classroom experience. Discourse, respect, and collaboration are highly valued in Lakota culture, so it is natural to include these protocols in the normative culture of the learning environment. Relevance is always crucial in mathematics education, especially when the standardized text books and curricula often omit specific examples of the mathematics of indigenous people, or ethnomathematics in real life. We instructors need to find ways to make mathematics come alive for our students, so they can see that the world of mathematics is vibrant, accessible to everyone, and always developing in new and exciting ways. Mathematical thinking is something that all of us humans do! Exploring that fact with our students leads to improved mathematics learning, depth of knowledge, empowerment, and satisfaction for all involved.
ISSN:2637-8965