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The Politics of Equity and Access in Teaching and Learning Mathematics

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Third International Handbook of Mathematics Education

Part of the book series: Springer International Handbooks of Education ((SIHE,volume 27))

Abstract

Besides clarifying the definitions of equity and access we briefly contrast two philosophical positions on the nature of mathematics and speculate about their consequences for equity and access. We next discuss “whose mathematics,” and provide a viewpoint for mathematics learning as related to equity and access for students. We also consider mathematics teachers and their teaching role as these are related to equity and access for students, and then broaden the chapter to include political influences on both teachers of mathematics and learners. Given the diverse political systems in operation throughout the world, and the range of conditions within and between countries, we are unable to frame questions that can be definitively answered. Our observations relate to the role that politics plays at different levels to influence access and equity for teaching and learning mathematics and are supported by particular examples, some from history, others documenting more recent events. Finally we offer a brief discussion of several international cases of what we believe is a form of colonization that follows from official insistence on “English first” in teaching mathematics in some states where English is a second language for students.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Hawaii, Honululu, HI, USA

    Neil A. Pateman

  2. Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor, Malaysia

    Chap Sam Lim

Authors
  1. Neil A. Pateman
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  2. Chap Sam Lim
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Correspondence to Neil A. Pateman .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Illinois State University, n/a, Normal, 61790-4520, Illinois, USA

    M.A. (Ken) Clements

  2. Fac. Education, Centre for Science, Mathematics &, Monash University, Clayton, 3800, Victoria, Australia

    Alan J. Bishop

  3. FB Erziehungswissenschaft und, Psychologie, FU Berlin, Habelschwerdter Allee 45, Berlin, 14195, Germany

    Christine Keitel

  4. Dept. Mathematics Education, University of Georgia, Aderhold Hall 105, Athens, 30602-7124, Georgia, USA

    Jeremy Kilpatrick

  5. Fac. Education, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR

    Frederick K.S. Leung

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Pateman, N.A., Lim, C.S. (2012). The Politics of Equity and Access in Teaching and Learning Mathematics. In: Clements, M., Bishop, A., Keitel, C., Kilpatrick, J., Leung, F. (eds) Third International Handbook of Mathematics Education. Springer International Handbooks of Education, vol 27. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-4684-2_8

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