Posts

Shaping Minds, Transforming Perspectives: Paulo Freire, Ubiratan D'Ambrosio, and the Ethnomathematics Connection

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Hey everyone! Welcome back! In the realm of education and mathematics, two influential figures stand out for their transformative contributions: Paulo Freire and Ubiratan D'Ambrosio. Their work has not only left an indelible mark on the field but has also laid the groundwork for the exploration and understanding of ethnomathematics. In this blog post, we delve into the lives and ideas of these visionaries, exploring their impact on education and the intersection with ethnomathematics.  Paulo Freire: Education for Liberation  Paulo Freire, a Brazilian educator and philosopher, is renowned for his groundbreaking work in critical pedagogy. His seminal work, "Pedagogy of the Oppressed," challenged traditional educational models and advocated for a participatory approach that empowers learners. Freire's ideas centred on dialogue, critical thinking, and the recognition of learners as active participants in their education. Freire emphasized the importance of understanding e...

Ancient Calculations: The Ishango Bone and Native American Mathematical Traditions

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Welcome back to my blog!      For this week, we heavily discussed mathematics as a whole and its relation to cultures and our everyday life. Mathematics is often seen as a universal language, but the way it is expressed and used can vary greatly across cultures. In this blog post, we'll explore two unique mathematical stories: the Ishango Bone, an ancient African artifact, and the diverse mathematical traditions of Native American cultures. Through these fascinating examples, we'll delve into the world of ethnomathematics and how it highlights the diversity and richness of mathematical thinking across different societies. The Ishango Bone: Ancient African Mathematical Innovation       The Ishango Bone is a small tool made from the fibula of a baboon and was discovered in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo. This artifact, dating back to around 20,000 years ago, provides a rare glimpse into the mathematical thinking of early African societies. ...

Bridging Continents Through Mathematics: Ancient China, India, and Europe

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Good afternoon!! I hope everyone is well :) Welcome back to another one of my blogs! Isn't it just so much fun here! In this week's class, we were told to watch the second half of the very informative documentary video given to us last week called "History of Mathematics". The second half of this video explores the evolution of mathematics in various civilizations from ancient China, India, and Europe, as it focuses on the accomplishments and influence of mathematics.  And of course, here's the link to the video!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WcbPcGrQZU Ancient China: Practical Mathematics  Ancient China boasts a rich mathematical heritage deeply rooted in practical applications. As discussed in the video, the Chinese were pioneers in developing a comprehensive decimal system and made significant strides in algebra. Their mathematical achievements were driven by the need for practical solutions in areas like agriculture, astronomy, and engineering. Chinese mat...

Unraveling the Mathematical Threads of Ancient Times: Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Greece

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Hey guys!  Happy to see everyone back again for another blog post!! 😁 In this week's class, we were given a very informative documentary video to watch called "History of Mathematics". The first half of this video explores the evolution of mathematics in various civilizations from ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Greece, as it highlights the contributions of prominent mathematicians and their impact on the field.  Here's the link to the video!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WcbPcGrQZU Mathematics, often perceived as a universal language, has woven its intricate threads through the tapestry of human history. Through this, we can gain valuable insights into the world of ethnomathematics. Ancient Egypt: Practical Geometry  Ancient Egypt, the cradle of one of the world's most enduring civilizations, left a significant mark on the history of mathematics. Egyptian mathematics was primarily focused on practical applications, driven by the need to measure and calculate...

Exploring Ethnomathematics: Unveiling the Cultural Tapestry of Mathematics

Hey everyone! Welcome back! Great to see your beautiful faces back on my blog post 😍 Mathematics is often perceived as a universal language, transcending borders and cultures. However, the reality is far more intricate and fascinating. In this blog post, we will explore what ethnomathematics is, how it involves and influences humans, and why it is essential in our increasingly interconnected world! Let's start with what Ethnomathematics actually is! :) Ethnomathamatucs is an interdisciplinary field that investigates the ways different cultures conceptualize, develop, and use mathematical knowledge. It recognizes that mathematical concepts and practices are not isolated from the societies in which they exist, instead, they are deeply entwined with cultural beliefs, traditions, and practices. From the D'Ambrosio reading shared in class, I understood the importance of understanding mathematics in its cultural context. This means examining how mathematics is embedded in everyday l...

Welcome Blog!

 Hi everyone!  My name is Susn, pronounced soo-sin, and welcome to my very first blog :)  I am currently in my fourth year of the Concurrent Education program here at Brock under the Senior/Intermediate stream, with my first teachable being Biological Sciences and my second being Visual Arts.  Through these blogs, I hope to display some of my critical thoughts in relation to the ideas and topics discussed in class.  Within this class, my goal is to gain knowledge of the interdisciplinary field of ethnomathematics exploring the relationship between mathematics and various cultures around the world. Mathematics is not a universal, abstract concept as it is influenced by so many cultural, historical, and social factors, that I am so excited to elaborate on. I am a very friendly person, so if anyone would ever like to review the topics discussed in class further, please do so!! That's all for my first blog post! Be sure to check in through the weeks that follow for ...