Mathematics education researchers concerned with justice and rehumanizing mathematics education are increasingly calling for research that takes seriously the values, commitments, and voices of the communities for which the research is most consequential. Exclusion of or superficial engagement with these perspectives and experiences in research and design processes have perpetuated deficit perspectives of minoritized communities, rendering them simply the object of reform efforts. Consequently, this Research Commentary conceptualizes a participatory turn in mathematics education research, offering a set of commitments that guide and examine the possibilities and tensions of such a turn.
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Oyemolade Osibodu, Sunghwan Byun, Victoria Hand, and Carlos LópezLeiva
Maxine T. Roberts and Daniel J. Almeida
We present findings from a study about obstacles that Black students who succeeded in developmental mathematics in community college reported having endured in those mathematics classrooms. To understand the types of obstacles that can arise for students in these classrooms, we analyze data using two frameworks: mathematics identity and dimensions of mathematics classrooms. Study participants faced obstacles in three categories: (a) impressions of faculty’s instructional practices for problem solving; (b) negative race-related perceptions they believed classmates had about them; and (c) perceptions about instructors’ expectations. These findings contribute to literature on Black students’ progress in mathematics by identifying obstacles experienced by students who achieve in these courses and can also inform professional development learning for mathematics faculty.
Sherri L. Martinie
Given the numbers and data at our fingertips in this digital age, mathematical and digital literacy skills are imperative when it comes to understanding natural and social phenomena and making good decisions. As teachers we are responsible for helping students make sense of this information
Laura R. Van Zoest, Shari L. Stockero, Blake E. Peterson, and Keith R. Leatham
Learn why collecting, clarifying, and revoicing—great teaching moves—do not always work.
Toni L. Amarel and Megan H. Wickstrom
What tales would your students tell about their mathematical experiences? In this article, we describe a task, The Math Metaphor, and how it was utilized in a high school classroom as a window to explore students’ experiences with mathematics.
Matthew S. Neel
This mathematical method can be used to find the size and shape of the bricks necessary to create a corbeled arch of nearly any shape. This method focuses on finding the minimum lengths of the bricks necessary to create a mathematically stable arch subject to certain constraints.
Stacy K. Boote and Terrie M. Galanti
Elementary school students use physical manipulatives (e.g., pattern blocks) to make sense of the geometry and measurement ideas in a Code.org block-based programming lesson.
Karen C. Fuson and Steve Leinwand
The power of Number Talks and extensions that can build to an equitable Math Talk Classroom
Karen Zwanch and Bridget Broome
This game teaches algebraic generalizations through differentiated play in pairs, small groups, or as a whole class and uses manipulatives to bridge numerical and algebraic thinking.
