Lawrence Shirley - Böcker

This survey on the modernity of ethnomathematicsaddresses numerous themes related to both ethnomathematics and mathematicseducation. It offers a broader view of mathematics, including ideas,procedures, concepts, processes, methods, and practices rooted in distinctcultural environments. In addition, by reflecting on the social and politicaldimensions of ethnomathematics, another important aspect of this researchprogram is the development of innovative approaches for a dynamic and glocalizedsociety. Ethnomathematics recognizes that members of different culturesdevelop unique mathematical techniques, methods, and explanations that allowfor an alternative understanding and transformation of societal norms. Thetheoretical basis of ethnomathematics offers a valid alternative to traditionalstudies of history, philosophy, cognition, and pedagogical aspects ofmathematics. The current agenda for ethnomathematics isto continue an ongoing, progressive trajectory that contributes to theachievement of social justice, peace, and dignity for all.  The debatesoutlined in this book share a few of the key ideas that provide for a clearerunderstanding of the field of ethnomathematics and its current state of the artby discussing its pedagogical actions, its contributions for teacher education,and its role in mathematics education.

This book addresses numerous issues related to ethnomathematics and diverse approaches to it in the context of mathematics education. To help readers better understand the development of ethnomathematics, it discusses its objectives and assumptions with regard to promoting an ethics of respect, solidarity, and cooperation across and for all cultures. In turn, the book addresses a range of aspects including pedagogical action, culturally relevant pedagogy, innovative approaches to ethnomathematics, and the role of ethnomathematics in mathematics education.Ethnomathematics offers educators a valuable framework for transforming mathematics so that it can more actively contribute to realizing the dream of a just and humane society. As such, its primary goal is to forge mathematics into a powerful tool to help people create a society characterized by dignity for all, and in which iniquity, arrogance, violence, and bigotry have no place.