Blog Post 12

When I was taking math in highschool, I struggled immensely, often failing tests and even failing the entire course at one point. There is a huge issue with math in the education system all across Canada, and that is because it is only allowed that students complete math problems and equations with only one specific strategy. This was a challenge I always faced. When I was writing a test, I would know how to complete a problem using my own logic, however this would be graded as wrong on the test, regardless of whether my way of solving the problem worked. This is one of the ways mathematics was oppressive.

Inuit mathematics brings with it a fresh approach that challenges the typical eurocentric way in which math is thought of in most schools. Inuit math is dependent on the physical environment for learning and requires spatial reasoning. This pushes against the idea that math is solely logic based.  A holistic approach is used in regards to Inuit math, using strategies like storytelling and building connections. This challenges the way in which math is taught using memorization and fixed systems of problem solving. Community is also involved in Inuit mathematics, often being used in many of their cultural practices.