United States students continue to have difficulties with the subject of mathematics. Sometimes it is believed that students arent smart enough to master mathematics or that mathematics is just too difficult for all but the chosen few. This book offers an alternative explanation: Students difficulties in mathematics can best be understood and explained social scientifically. That is, Learning Theories, Agents of Socialization, and more generally, cultural and social milieu, are relevant in trying to understand individuals ideas about mathematics.
The book begins by providing an overview of the current status in mathematics education. Popular cultural portrayals of mathematics and mathematicians are examined. The book, then, delves deeper into how students perceive mathematics and mathematicians by examining how students view mathematicians, how students define mathematics, and what themes emerge from students mathematical autobiographies and their metaphors. The book describes a semantic differential, in an effort to ascertain the meanings of math that people hold and shows the different patterns of responses among various groups of people. Finally, the book delves into mathematical mindsets, a current approach to understanding mathematical identities, as well as success and failure in mathematics.
Carmen M. Latterell is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Minnesota Duluth, where she teaches math courses for future teachers.
Janelle L. Wilson is a Professor in the Department of Anthropology, Sociology & Criminology at the University of Minnesota Duluth, where she teaches courses primarily in social psychology and deviance.
If you are looking for a thorough review of the recent issues in mathematics and mathematics education in the US then Mathematical Metaphors, Memories, and Mindsets is a great place to start. This book considers everything from popular culture and medilÓ0
![Mathematical Metaphors, Memories, and Mindsets: An Examination of Personal, Social, and Cultural Influences on the Perception of Mathematics [Paperback]](/itemImage/2/6/6/9/2_6267267.jpg "Mathematical Metaphors, Memories, and Mindsets: An Examination of Personal, Social, and Cultural Influences on the Perception of Mathematics [Paperback]")