Reflection on Math that Matters
Personally, I think math should be more neutral in nature because the main focus of the subject should be math. Some topics related to social issues may be implemented into projects, however, it should not lead into a deeper discussion as math teachers may not have sufficient knowledge in that area to lead the discussion. If a math topic is related to social justice, then it may be a good idea to have their social study's teacher to lead the discussion.
The author of this article believes that math should not only be an academic course, but it should also enable students to think about math in real life and make math more meaningful instead of just numbers and formulas.
I think the ideas from middle schools can be used in secondary schools in a more complex version. Students like to learn things that they can actually use in real life instead of just abstract concepts and doing problems that require these concepts.
However, not all math concepts can be related to social justice. For example, rational and irrational numbers, 2D and 3D objects and so on.
The author of this article believes that math should not only be an academic course, but it should also enable students to think about math in real life and make math more meaningful instead of just numbers and formulas.
I think the ideas from middle schools can be used in secondary schools in a more complex version. Students like to learn things that they can actually use in real life instead of just abstract concepts and doing problems that require these concepts.
However, not all math concepts can be related to social justice. For example, rational and irrational numbers, 2D and 3D objects and so on.
OK -- but don't you think that math teachers need to know about social justice issues in our roles as informed citizens? We do know more than just internal structures of mathematics!
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