Mathematics for Aboriginal Students Who Have A Different Worldview

Abstract

Language develops our thoughts and shapes our understanding of the environment. Through working in different schools I have noticed that English plays a key role in the acquisition of school mathematics. Not only is the mathematics syllabus expressed in English but those students growing up using English appear to have a view of their world that is far more compatible with this mathematics than those students who use an Aboriginal language. The worldview of students using an Aboriginal language would appear to be very different.