Youth Perspectives on Societal Narratives about the Usefulness of Mathematics: Considering Individual and Relational Utility

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 7:45 am - Gold 3
  In Roundtable Session: Illuminating Student Perspectives of Mathematics Classrooms

Abstract

Societal narratives about mathematics emphasize its usefulness for strengthening the economy and being globally competitive. Rarely discussed are relational uses focused on themes such as helping others. This research investigates early adolescents’ perspectives on common narratives about mathematics, including perceptions of relational uses. A card-sorting task was used in interviews with 17 youth, and transcripts were coded for uses of math and agreement with common narratives. Findings highlight a strong emphasis on math for jobs and money, skepticism about whether math is needed for college, and a sense of math’s utility for supporting fast thinking and general smartness. While most youth viewed mathematics as useful for helping people, they did not think that math makes the world a better place.

Authors

• Tracy Dobie, University of Utah

• Bailey N. Ondricek, University of Utah

• Liza Romina Escobar, University of Utah