March 31 Teaching Mathematics

Leroy Little Bear remarked in Jagged Worldviews Colliding that there are always various methods of experiencing the world, regardless of how dominant a worldview may be (2000). Despite Canada’s multiculturalism, government institutions teach white, Eurocentric curricula. Diversity in mathematics is inhibited (Bear, 2000). I learned math only in the “correct” way. One method was instructed. Even if students obtained the correct answer through alternative means, they would be penalized or accused of deception. This method restricts reasoning and mathematics. Therefore implying that critical, diverse mathematical reasoning is irrelevant.

In Teaching Mathematics in the Inuit Culture, Louise Poirier examines how Inuit mathematics may challenge Eurocentric assumptions (2007). Three items:

Inuit educators substitute “paper-and-pencil assignments” with “observing an elder or listening to riddles” when teaching mathematics (Poirier, 2007)
Inuit mathematics utilizes base-20, while Western mathematics employs base-10 (Poirier, 2007)
Inuit children study mathematics in English, French, and their native tongue, whereas Western pupils only learn mathematics in one language (Poirier, 2007). Algebra is taught French to K-12 English and French immersion students in Saskatchewan.