“Now mathematics is being nudged into a specifically political direction by educators who call themselves ‘critical theorists.’ They advocate using mathematics as a tool to advance social justice. Social justice math relies on political and cultural relevance to guide math instruction. One of its precepts is ‘ethnomathematics,’ that is, the belief that different cultures have evolved different ways of using mathematics, and that students will learn best if taught in the ways that relate to their ancestral culture. From this perspective, traditional mathematics–the mathematics taught in universities around the world–is the property of Western civilization and is inexorably linked with the values of the oppressors and conquerors. The culturally attuned teacher will learn about the counting system of the ancient Mayans, ancient Africans, Papua New Guineans and other ‘nonmainstream’ cultures”
Negros e hispanos no pueden aprender matemática de forma normal. No pertenecen a la ‘cultura occidental’. Cuáles son entonces, las oportunidades que éstos estudiantes tienen para saber las matemáticas que se necesitan en el mundo de hoy?
Via (OpinionJournal )
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