My first stop was how the article noted that "polarization... has served to obscure some of the actual commonalities between the two camps. (p. 395). I think this is important to realize that both sides have value and even shared goals. Polarization inhibits collaboration and great discussion and I think it is healthy to have respect for both sides.
I thought it was interesting how these movements were influenced by the political and social climate of the day. The values of the culture influence education significantly and that will continue to happen because education is political. Right now it seems there is a push for a more progressive, inquiry-based method of education and I wonder what social or political factors are influencing that. Perhaps an effort to indigenize education has influenced how teacher candidates are being taught today and how Math education is approached.
This article also made me curious about how people's childhood experiences of Math education influence what they advocate for as adults. Whether policymakers, parents or teachers - there are lots of strong opinions on both sides and it would be interesting to see what their Math education was like and how much of their opinions are formed by their positive or negative experiences.
Thanks for your balanced approach, Christine -- something that seems to be in such short supply in our contemporary world! I really think that the opposing sides in most arguments/conflicts really have a great deal in common. It's perceptive to see that Indigenizing education is one of the most important forces in Canadian society these days, and I hope that the good effects will be longlasting. People's childhood and school experiences do affect their opinions as adults! How can we help people have positive, mind-opening experiences with math?
ReplyDeleteHi Christine, thanks for bringing up the connection between educational movements and the political and social climate. Exploring the link between childhood math education experiences and adult advocacy is a compelling area of study. Personal experiences can strongly shape one's perspectives and opinions. Have you have a chance to reflect on your own childhood experiences with math education and how they might have influenced your views on this topic?
ReplyDelete