A critical approach to mathematics education

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to develop my own teaching in mathematics. I begin by introducing the reader to some of the ideas and philosophies of mathematics education. In reviewing literature about mathematic learning and teaching I began to understand the impact a teacher's beliefs has on his or her teaching. In order for a change in teaching methods to occur a teacher needs to develop an understanding about the ideas and philosophies influencing these changes. This thesis begins by addressing some of the issues teachers need to be aware of which have an impact on mathematics education. Also, concerns have been raised regarding mathematics education and its failure to provide students with the necessary skills needed for mathematics in daily life. Mathematics education needs to enable students to meet the demands of a constantly changing society. In this thesis, I begin by outlining concerns, which continue to surface in mathematics education. I provide an extensive review of current ideas and issues influencing mathematics education that has lead me to believe in the need to include a critical approach to mathematics education. As part of my professional development, I carried out a small action research project to discover whether literature focusing on critical mathematics education can be applied successfully within a year 5 and 6 composite class. I established that student's beliefs about mathematics education impact on the manner they view learning in mathematics education. Most of their views have developed from their own learning experiences. To encourage students to adopt a different attitude towards mathematics they too need an understanding of the goals of mathematics education in particular their empowerment to create their own mathematical knowledge. In conclusion, I believe a critical approach to mathematics is essential if students are to use the mathematical knowledge developed from their experience in the classroom as an effective tool to develop an understanding of the world they live in, and to become responsible and democratic citizens of the future.