The Limits and Problems of "Mathematics for All"

Session Type: WERA Symposium

Abstract

The researchers taking part in this symposium investigate the economic, cultural, epistemological and practical implications of the contradictions within the idea of “mathematics for all.” The researchers are primarily interested in the types of exclusion that the idea and practice of universal mathematics education might engender. What, they ask, is involved in the idea of “mathematics for all” as it operates within the discourse of education and democratic participation? What populations, which practices, what forms of knowledge are pushed to the margins or excluded by this idea? What might this exclusion mean to the people and practices that are impacted by it? And, finally, what other types of discourse and practice can address these contradictions?

Sub Unit

• World Education Research Association

Chair

• Houman Harouni, Harvard University

Papers

• Diversity of Mathematical Practices - Swapna Mukhopadhyay, Portland State University; Brian Greer, Queen's University

• Progress, Wealth, and Mathematics for All - Paola Valero, Stockholm University

• What Do People Do When They Do Mathematics? - Alexandre Santos Pais, Aalborg University

• What Mathematics for All? Toward Inclusion and Empathy - Anita Rampal, University of Delhi