Framework
Suggested Framework to Implement Teaching Mathematics for Social & Ecological Justice (TMSEJ)
Several frameworks help us explore mathematics from different perspectives. For myself, the Jimmy & Andreotti, framework Bricks and Thread from Towards Braiding was readily relatable to my journey along my truth and reconciliation continuum. This framework works collectively, with opposing sensibilities (Bricks-linear, independent, achievement & hierarchy oriented and Threads-relational, connected, inter-woven, and ecological sustainability).
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Although I am biased towards the Threads sensibility (knowledge comes from many places like the land and non-humans) I was educated with Brick sensibilities of communicating through normativity. This website is a brick and I am part thread with a strong connection to the land and ecological sustainability yearning to braid. This idea of braiding is to open the doors to possibilities which in my opinion aligns with the TRC by teaching mathematics for social and ecological justice (Jimmy & Andreotti).
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Three steps for braiding to occur include:
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A deep understanding of historical and systemic harms and their snowball effects needs to become "common sense," and not something to be avoided, dismissed, or minimized out of a fear of hopelessness, guilt or shame
A language that makes visible the generated and non-generative manifestations of bricks and threads needs to be developed, without becoming rigid, prescriptive or accusatory
A set of principled commitments towards the "long-haul" of this process needs to be in place, including a commitment to continue the work even/especially when things become difficult and uncomfortable.
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10 Questions to Critically Engage Your Learners
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Who’s perspective is this?
Who benefits? Who is harmed?
How might I take some responsibility for this?
What action can I take? What action as a class can we take?
What influences and shapes the person with this perspective?
Is there a conflict of interest?
What information is missing and why is it missing?
Might missing information lead me to different conclusions?
Do I trust the information before me? Why or why not?
What do opponents of this perspective say?
Photo credit: Carol Bob, Gitxsan territory