scholarly journals The Wittgensteinian Perspective and Ethnomathematics: An Analysis of Language Games and the Rules Governing their Uses in Certain Work Activities

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 28-43
Author(s):  
Luis Tiago Osterberg ◽  
Isabel Cristina Machado de Lara

This work, adopting a Wittgensteinian perspective, aims to analyze the language games that involve mathematical concepts present in certain work activities, as well as the rules of use of such concepts, comparing them with the existing rules in School Mathematics. The studies analyzed used Ethnomathematics as a research method to understand the generation, organization and dissemination of mathematical knowledge in certain professions, in particular carpenters, fishermen, farmers and artisans. In considering the language games present in the mathematical practices existing in these professions, it is possible to show that in some games rules are presented that have strong family similarities to the games that make up the School Mathematics when they need a written mathematics, however, the expression of language games orally assume different meanings for terms present in both grammars. In addition, it presents examples of the use of mathematical knowledge without the formalism and rigor present in the language games of School Mathematics. It is a way of doing mathematics generated by another grammar that uses other rules, in this case estimation and rounding, a type of rationality distinct from that which constitutes School Mathematics, but which is effective in that form of use.

Abjadia ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 144-159
Author(s):  
Devita Amalia ◽  
Dwi Noviani ◽  
M. Fadil Djamali ◽  
Imam Rofiki

Ethnomathematics are different ways of doing mathematics taking into account the academic mathematical knowledge developed by different sectors of society as well as taking into account the different modes in which different cultures negotiate their mathematical practices (ways of grouping, counting, measuring, designing tools, or playing). Based on this research, this study aims to describe the results of ethnomathematics exploration in Jember batik motifs. The method of analysis used in this research was a qualitative approac with an ethnographic design. Data collection techniques were observation, documentation, and interviews. This research was conducted at Rumah Batik Rolla Jember and Rezti'z Batik Tegalsari Ambulu Jember. The research was conducted for one week. The results of this study indicate that the ethnomathematics in the Jember batik motif has a philosophical value that describes the natural wealth of Jember Regency in each of its motifs, and there are mathematical concepts in the form of geometric transformation concepts (reflection, translation, rotation, and dilation) along with the concept of number patterns.


2020 ◽  
pp. 58-86
Author(s):  
Semjon F. Adlaj ◽  
◽  
Sergey N. Pozdniakov ◽  

This article is devoted to a comparative analysis of the results of the ReMath project (Representing Mathematics with digital media), devoted to the study of digital representations of mathematical concepts. The theoretical provisions and conclusions of this project will be analyzed based on the theory of the information environment [1], developed with the participation of one of the authors of this article. The analysis performed in this work partially coincides with the conclusions of the ReMath project, but uses a different research basis, based mainly on the work of Russian scientists. It is of interest to analyze the work of the ReMath project from the conceptual positions set forth in this monograph and to establish links between concepts and differences in understanding the impact of computer tools (artifacts) on the process of teaching mathematics. At the same time, the authors dispute the interpretation of some issues in Vygotsky’s works by foreign researchers and give their views on the types and functions of digital artifacts in teaching mathematics.


Pythagoras ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 0 (60) ◽  
Author(s):  
Willy Mwakapenda

Understanding is one of the most important traits associated with the attainment of educational goals. However, Nickerson (1985) observes that although the concept of understanding is a fundamental one for education, “what it means to understand is a disarmingly simple question to ask but one that is likely to be anything but simple to answer” (p. 215). A significant concern in school mathematics is learner understanding of mathematical concepts.


Author(s):  
Helena Rocha

Proof plays a central role in developing, establishing and communicating mathematical knowledge. Nevertheless, it is not such a central element in school mathematics. This article discusses some issues involving mathematical proof in school, intending to characterize the understanding of mathematical proof in school, its function and the meaning and relevance attributed to the notion of simple proof. The main conclusions suggest that the idea of addressing mathematical proof at all levels of school is a recent idea that is not yet fully implemented in schools. It requires an adaptation of the understanding of proof to the age of the students, reducing the level of formality and allowing the students to experience the different functions of proof and not only the function of verification. Among the different functions of proof, the function of explanation deserves special attention due to the illumination and empowerment that it can bring to the students and their learning. The way this function of proof relates to the notion of simple proof (and the related aesthetic issues) seems relevant enough to make it, in the future, a focus of attention for the teachers who address mathematical proof in the classroom. This article is part of the theme issue ‘The notion of ‘simple proof’ - Hilbert's 24th problem’.


1977 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-114
Author(s):  
Lowell F. Ensey ◽  
Thomas J. Cooney

Preservice secondary school mathematics teachers, 20 pre-student teachers, and 16 post-student teachers, were introduced to a model for teaching mathematical concepts via two treatments. The subjects prepared and taught the concepts of parallelogram and rhombus, respectively, in two audiotaped microteaching sessions, one before and one after the treatments. The number and variety of moves used and the strategies employed by the subjects in their microlessons were obtained from analyzing the audio recordings. A 2× 2× 2 design was used to detect differences among means or interactions of the two groups, the treatments, and the two microteaching sessions, where the microteaching session was a repeated factor. No significant interactions were found. The microteaching session factor was significant (p<.05), indicating an increase in both the number and variety of moves.


2007 ◽  
Vol 101 (4) ◽  
pp. 285-289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine A. Stein

As part of reform-based mathematics, much discussion and research has focused on the idea that mathematics should be taught in a way that mirrors the nature of the discipline (Lampert 1990)—that is, have students use mathematical discourse to make conjectures, talk, question, and agree or disagree about problems in order to discover important mathematical concepts. In fact, communication, of which student discourse is a part, is so important that it is one of the Standards set forth in Principles and Standards for School Mathematics (NCTM 2000).


1994 ◽  
Vol 87 (8) ◽  
pp. 602-606
Author(s):  
Ruth McClintock

Viewing mathematics as communication is the second standard listed for all grade levels in the NCTM's Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics (1989). This emphasis underscores the need for nurturing language skills that enable children to translate nonverbal awareness into words. One way to initiate discussion about mathematical concepts is to use physical models and manipulatives. Standard 4 of the Professional Standards for Teaching Mathematics (NCTM 1991) addresses the need for tools to enhance discourse. The flexigon is a simple and inexpensive conversation piece that helps students make geometric discoveries and find language to share their ideas.


1996 ◽  
Vol 89 (1) ◽  
pp. 66-69
Author(s):  
Nancy C. Lavigne ◽  
Susanne P. Lajoie

Mathematics education at all levels of schooling is currently undergoing change. Recommendations for improving the teaching, learning, and assessment of mathematics have been translated into standards that furnish guidelines for implementing change in mathematics classrooms (NCTM 1989, 1991, 1995). These standards emphasize the importance of engaging students in performance activities that require solving complex and realistic mathematics problems, reasoning about content and solutions, communicating understanding, and making connections among mathematical concepts.


2000 ◽  
Vol 6 (8) ◽  
pp. 517-521
Author(s):  
Patricia Seray Moyer

Children's literature can be a springboard for conversations about mathematical concepts. Austin (1998) suggests that good children's literature with a mathematical theme provides a context for both exploring and extending mathematics problems embedded in stories. In the context of discussing a story, children connect their everyday experiences with mathematics and have opportunities to make conjectures about quantities, equalities, or other mathematical ideas; negotiate their understanding of mathematical concepts; and verbalize their thinking. Children's books that prompt mathematical conversations also lead to rich, dynamic communication in the mathematics classroom and develop the use of mathematical symbols in the context of communicating. The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (1989) emphasizes the importance of communication in helping children both construct mathematical knowledge and link their informal notions with the abstract symbols used to express mathematical ideas.


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