Addressing Diversity: Alternative Forms of Knowledge Construction Process in Mathematics

Professor Jerry Lipka
University of Alaska, Fairbanks.

Learning about math from everyday practice: Examples from Alaska

Math in a Cultural Context (MCC) represents a series of “firsts”—one of the few culturally based curricula that shows statistically significant improvement in students’ math understanding; is a (very) long-term collaborative effort with university educators and scholars and a dedicated core group of Yup’ik Eskimo teachers and elders. The fruits of this work include a series of 10 elementary school math modules that are being implemented in more than 12 Alaskan school districts and being a model for connecting community knowledge to schooling. Tonight’s presentation will stress the unique community—university—school connection in the development and implementation of this culturally based math curriculum. Examples of everyday activities and the mathematics embedded in those activities will be highlighted.

When: Thursday, May 22nd, 2008
Where: Neuberger Hall, room 454
Time: 6:45 pm - 7:45 pm
Cost: Free

Supported by the President’s Diversity Action Council
For inquiry, contact Swapna Mukhopadhyay, swapna@pdx.edu