Abstract
Within the Australian context, some students are more at risk of failing at
mathematics than others. Australia performs poorly in terms of equity outcomes in
mathematics. This paper explores two significant social contexts – low socioeconomic status and rurality – two characteristics where students have traditionally
performed poorly in mathematics. The first of two key foci of the paper is the extent to
which social backgrounds constrain mathematics outcomes. The second focus draws
on a range of literatures to explore the variables that may contribute to this systemic
failure. We frame the project using Pierre Bourdieu’s theoretical ideas. Together,
these two foci provide us with a rationale for more detailed work to be undertaken to
explore the extent and impact of variables in these two contexts. This work forms the
basis for a three-year project in which we explore pedagogies associated with these
outcomes.
mathematics than others. Australia performs poorly in terms of equity outcomes in
mathematics. This paper explores two significant social contexts – low socioeconomic status and rurality – two characteristics where students have traditionally
performed poorly in mathematics. The first of two key foci of the paper is the extent to
which social backgrounds constrain mathematics outcomes. The second focus draws
on a range of literatures to explore the variables that may contribute to this systemic
failure. We frame the project using Pierre Bourdieu’s theoretical ideas. Together,
these two foci provide us with a rationale for more detailed work to be undertaken to
explore the extent and impact of variables in these two contexts. This work forms the
basis for a three-year project in which we explore pedagogies associated with these
outcomes.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Proceedings of the Seventh International Conference of the Mathematics Education and Society Conference 2013 |
Subtitle of host publication | MES 7 |
Editors | Margot Berger, Karin Brodie, Vera Frith, Kate le Roux |
Place of Publication | Cape Town, South Africa |
Publisher | Mathematics Education and Society |
Pages | 340-349 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Volume | 2 |
Publication status | Published - 2013 |
Externally published | Yes |
Event | The Seventh International Conference of the Mathematics Education and Society - Cape Town, South Africa Duration: 2 Apr 2013 → 7 Apr 2013 |
Publication series
Name | International Conference of the Mathematics Education and Society Conference |
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Publisher | Mathematics Education and Society |
Volume | 2 |
ISSN (Print) | 2077-9933 |
Conference
Conference | The Seventh International Conference of the Mathematics Education and Society |
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Country/Territory | South Africa |
City | Cape Town |
Period | 2/04/13 → 7/04/13 |