M2P4
This article digs deeper into the how behind incorporating indigenous content, but more importantly how to change teaching mathematics to indigenous students. As I have started to realize, the article says the process requires investment from the teachers, indigenous communities and takes time, planning and small steps. While the initiative took place at many schools, the article follows one school in particular, and notes that a benefit was that the school was more welcoming and had more warmth due to the strengthened relationship to the community. Teacher transformation was also needed for change. The teachers received teaching strategies and tools, but also teachings being responsive to students. This responsive teaching was scaffolded with consultation and mentoring with two way sharing of culture and intellectual knowledge with Indigenous peoples. I think about how I am worried about proceeding due to worry of offending, or ‘doing it wrong’. The level of collaboration and support these teachers received with ingidenous experts was astounding and something to aspire to.
Owens, K. (2015). Changing the teaching of mathematics for improved indigenous education in a rural Australian city. Journal of Mathematics Teacher Education, 18(1).