Skip to main content


Welcome, you are visiting NC-PIMS

NC-PIMS Showcase


Ethno- mathematics: Why?

Description

"Ethno- mathematics is the study of mathematics which takes into consideration the culture in which mathematics arises. We all have some notions of what ethnomathematics is, but should it be influencing school mathematics? An important change in mathematical instruction needs to take place in order to accommodate the change in the demographics of students. Teachers and Supervisors need to be instructed in gearing education more toward students of different cultures. This paper describes why and how ethno- mathematics should influence mathematics. It emphasizes why ethno mathematics is important in math education and focuses on the way that culture plays an important role in a child's life. The term "ethno- mathematics" refers to mathematical concepts embedded in cultural practices."