“I Shouldn’t Have to Belong Somewhere”: A Collective Testimonio of Belonging and the Mathematics Classroom

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Thursday 3:35 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 1
  In Roundtable Session: Exploring Abolition, Resistance, and Critical Political Consciousness With Young People (Table 4)

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to offer an alternative approach to investigating a sense of belonging to mathematics. Guided by Anzaldúa’s Borderland theory, this study is motivated by the desire to create space for students to discuss a sense of belonging outside of the constraints of Western ways of defining mathematics and what it means to belong. To address some of the power dynamics and adultism present in educational research, this study utilizes testimonios as a methodological approach to focus on student perspective and lived experiences. Findings are presented in the form of short stories and highlight how whiteness in mathematics education has resulted in a stagnant and isolating learning environment.

Author

• Sabrina Zarza, Michigan State University