Bridging policy and practice with ethnomathematics

Abstract

Defined as the intersection of historical traditions, sociocultural roots, linguistics, and mathematics, ethnomathematics encourages the investigation and adaptation of these concepts within formal and informal environments. Ethnomathematics is a tool to foster an ongoing process of wayfinding by: (1) respecting and celebrating cultural systems and practices in experiential, place-based education, (2) strengthening student engagement pathways through multiple approaches to learning mathematics, and (3) providing a framework for sustainable campus-community networks. The goal is to acknowledge that diverse cultural systems and frameworks have served many cultures well, and to help educators discover multiple pathways that foster student engagement. A strong component is finding relevance in real-world applications through equity in research, pedagogy, and promising practices that honor indigenous wisdom and 21st century learning.