Blog 3: Ethnomathematics and making connections.
“The heart of ethnomathematics is acknowledging the unique identities and traits of each student. They have a significant role to play in our mathematics classes,” Furuto says, “and we should do everything we can to support them.”
Linda Furuto struggled with mathematics growing up to the point where she was not passing. Through determination she continued and now is an assistant professor of mathematics at the University of Hawaii–West O‘ahuassis and her efforts in using and sharing a concept called ethnomathematics earned her a place as one of the Forty under 40 honourees recognised by Pacific Business News in 2010. Just one example of Linda teaching is a field trip to the Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology on Coconut Island where the students look at algae and make connections using ethnomathematics in such a way that it integrates the past, present and future, culture and their environment. It is a lesson not about maths rather a lesson on life that integrates maths and it real to the Hawaii people. The learning experience uses a cross curriculum approach which includes relationships between conservation, marine biology, and mathematics and engineering having a true STEM focus.
As stated by Linda these experiences “really instilled in me the kuleana [responsibility] we each have to give back to the world that gifted us with life,” she says. “I firmly believe that there exists a powerful light that burns within each and every one of us. We have unique and special heritages, languages, cultures, and traditions. Ethnomathematics allows us to tap into these treasures and find a connection between wisdom grounded in the past and hope for a bright and beautiful future.”
In addition to this article I was able to find a short video showing on the field trip that can be viewed by clicking here.
Reference
Ernest, C. (2015). Ethnomathematics Shows Students Their Connections to Math
Mathematical Association of America. Retrieved from: http://www.maa.org/publications/periodicals/maa-focus/ethnomathematics-shows-students-their-connections-math
YouTube. (2013). Summer program teaches ethnomathematics. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVxt1XWAFNs
After reading the article and watching the video on the field trip I felt excited to think about the true impact a teacher can make on their students. It is a truly inspiring to see a high level of programing, pedagogy and ethnomathematics in real life situations that make it real for students and like with culture, place and person. Culture is not just history and it is not just bound to family, it is also environmental and it is every day.
I too struggled with math at school and didn’t like going to class, however through doing this bachelor and finding the new ways to teach maths which include real life applications and problem solving rather than worksheets and applied formulas, I am excited that maths is now a subject where the students can take more responsibility and it can be authentic. I now like maths (never thought I would say that!) and I want to be a teacher that can change the perception that math is a terrible subject and just like Linda make it enjoyable for students. I want my maths lesson to be challenging, fun and useful!