Course Description
Critical analysis of social, political, economic, and cultural structures as they relate to mathematics teaching, learning, and research. Implications for equitable P-12 mathematics classrooms and mathematics education methods courses will be explored.
Athena Title
Critical Issues in Math Ed
Semester Course Offered
Not offered on a regular basis.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Students will be able to: 1. To develop an awareness of the different theories and positions found in the literature to inform our understanding of the social, political, economic, and cultural structures as they relate to mathematics teaching, learning, and research. 2. To critically examine the implications of the current research literature (i.e., the social, political, economic, and cultural structures in education) for mathematics classrooms and mathematics education methods courses. 3. To identify and explore various pedagogical tools for teaching mathematics at the K-12 and preservice levels with particular emphasis on creating equitable mathematics classrooms.
Topical Outline
1. Exploring the current issues in education that affect mathematics teaching, learning and research. 2. Examining mathematics as a privileged school subject. 3. Defining Equity in mathematics education research: Equity versus equality. 4. Developing an inclusive view of equity and diversity to include issues of race, gender, SES, disability, sexual orientation, and differentiated learning. 5. Examining the intersection of mathematics and culture. 6. Examining the implications of the current literature on mathematics classrooms to include issues of tracking, access and opportunity. 7. Exploring alternative views and approaches for teaching mathematics to reach all students: culturally relevant pedagogy, culturally responsive pedagogy, critical pedagogy, and teaching mathematics for social justice. 8. Identifying and exploring pedagogical tools to teach PreK-12 mathematics and mathematics education methods courses. 9. Critiquing the tools for teaching equitable mathematics. 10. Creating a toolkit for equitable mathematics teaching and learning.