In a quest to further my knowledge I chose Ethnomathematics as my topic as this is something I have not heard of before. The meaning of ethnomathematics has variation on the descriptions based on who and where the information is obtained, however they all share common themes. The term ethnomathematics was used in the late 1960s by a Brazilian mathematician, Ubiratan D'Ambrosio, to describe the mathematical practices of identifiable cultural groups. Some see it as the study of mathematics in different cultures, others as a way of making mathematics more relevant to different cultural or ethnic groups, yet others as a way of understanding the differences between cultures, but perhaps the most powerful claim for the newly recognised discipline has been made by D'Ambrosio himself: The term ethnomathematics is used to express the relationship between culture and mathematics. The term requires a dynamic interpretation because it describes concepts that are themselves neither rigid nor singular-namely, ethno and mathematics.

 

As cited in Bishop (1988) on of the most productive descriptions was given by White in 1959 "The functions of culture are to relate man to his environment on the one hand, and to relate man to man, on the other" (p. 8). White, though, went further, and divided the components of culture into four categories: - Ideological: composed of beliefs, dependent on symbols, philosophies;

- Sociological: the customs, institutions, rules and patterns of interpersonal behaviour;

- Sentimental: attitudes, feelings concerning people, behaviour;

- Technological: manufacture and use of tools and implements.

 

I will explore through information of articles, books and videos what ethnomatematics means to education, classrooms, students and teachers. I will blog my views and ask that you share yours please.            

                                                                      

                                                                            References

   Bishop, A. J. (1988). Mathematics education in its cultural context. Educational Studies in Mathematics, 19(2), 179-191.

 

   D'Ambrosio, U. (2001). What is ethnomathematics, and how can it help children in schools?Teaching Children Mathematics, 7.6, pg. 308. Retrieved from: http://search.proquest.com/openview/e2688d8d0a5c57d961d78f86db1c510c/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=32876