GED4829

Social and cultural perspectives on mathematics education

Professor A J Bishop

12 points
* 3 hours per week
* Second semester
* Clayton

Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject, students should have developed an awareness of the range of social and cultural research in mathematics education; the ability to apply research findings to a variety of social and cultural problems in mathematics education; the ability to analyse socially-focused research studies.

Synopsis The purpose of this subject is to introduce students to a range of research and theorising which views mathematics education as a social and cultural phenomenon. The subject will offer students opportunities to explore research analyses from a variety of countries, dealing with aspects such as ethnomathematics, societal and political influences on mathematics education, the social dynamics of the mathematics classroom and the social psychology of mathematics education. As well as having a strong research and theorising flavour, the sessions will situate these aspects in the real educational world and will consider the practical implications of the various analyses.

Assessment Two essays (2000 and 4000 words): 100%

Recommended texts

Bishop A J Mathematical enculturation Kluwer, 1991
Ellerton N F and Clements M A (eds) School mathematics: The challenge to change Deakin U, 1989
Harris M (ed.) Schools, mathematics and work Falmer, 1991
Keitel C (ed.) Mathematics, education and society UNESCO, 1989