Weblog #1:
Issues in Teaching Mathematics to Aboriginal Students
This research paper discusses issues primary teachers encounter in relation to mathematics education for Australian Aboriginal Students. The teachers feel they have a difficult time trying to create learning opportunities for a vast array of abilities and disabilities and the lack of time they have to cover an extensive and demanding curriculum. The teachers that a large contributor to the problem is the fact that feel they haven’t have enough teacher preparation in the education program in order to effectively meet the needs of Aboriginal Australian Students.
Weblog #2:
“it’s not a laptop project, it’s an education project”
The OLPC program distributed up to 5,000 XO (next generation) laptops to children aged six to twelve in Aboriginal communities across Canada. Participants in this program will be able to access culturally relevant education and resources with the netbooks. The OPLC has 8 programs that are directed towards Aboriginal Learners ranging from Literacy, Numeracy, Food, Music, Finance, Science and Health.
Weblog #3:
Empowering Aboriginal Peoples Through Education
This very short Huffington Post article by Keith Beardsley is in agreement and reaction to former Priminister, Paul Martin’s comment that
“Most Canadians would not send their children to the kind of schools that Ottawa condemns aboriginals or certainly First Nations on reserves to go to… This is the youngest and fastest growing segment of our population. They’re also the most vulnerable. And for us to essentially not give them the kind of education … that other Canadians get, is simply wrong.”
In this article, Keith makes the point that change will only come through education of the younger generation and not simply by throwing money at the problem.
Weblog #4:
Math Catcher: Mathematics Through Aboriginal Storytelling
The Math Catcher: Mathematics Through Aboriginal Storytelling project includes the creation of short stories and animated films that teach learners about mathematics in a story format through the power medium of stories involving Aboriginal characters. These mathematical resources serve to promote mathematics education among students in Aboriginal communities as well as in urban settings. Through Aboriginal short stories, students can identify themselves as characters in the stories and the connection of their culture to mathematics.
Weblog #5:
Aboriginal Mathematics K-12 Network
This website contains resources (lessons, problems, etc), articles, new, and events pertaining to Aboriginal Mathematics Education.