Description
Book SynopsisUnited States' students continue to have difficulties with the subject of mathematics. Sometimes it is believed that students aren't smart enough to master mathematics or that mathematics is just too difficult for all but the chosen few. This book offers an alternative explanation: Students' difficulties in mathematics can best be understood and explained social scientifically. That is, Learning Theories, Agents of Socialization, and more generally, cultural and social milieu, are relevant in trying to understand individuals' ideas about mathematics. The book begins by providing an overview of the current status in mathematics education. Popular cultural portrayals of mathematics and mathematicians are examined. The book, then, delves deeper into how students perceive mathematics and mathematicians by examining how students view mathematicians, how students define mathematics, and what themes emerge from students' mathematical autobiographies and their metaphors. The book describes a
Table of ContentsPreface Introduction Chapter 1: Popular Cultural Portrayals of Mathematics and Mathematicians Chapter 2: Perceptions of Mathematicians Chapter 3: What Do People Think Mathematics Is? Chapter 4: Mathematical Autobiographies Chapter 5: Metaphors Chapter 6: Semantic Differentials Chapter 7: Mindset Conclusion: Summary and Implications
