Why Mathematics should be for Everyone?

Mpumelelo Mandyoli highlights the importance of making mathematics accessible to everyone, emphasizing its role in developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By promoting inclusivity and innovation, we can ensure that all individuals benefit from the wonders of mathematics.

Illustration by Tristan Barnard

The International Day of Mathematics is celebrated on March 14th every year. The goal of this day is to promote mathematics and its role in society, as well as to highlight its importance for the development of science, technology, and innovation. Mathematics is a subject that is often viewed as difficult and inaccessible to many people. However, it is essential to remember that mathematics should be for everyone, and everyone can benefit from it in various ways.

One of the most critical reasons why mathematics should be for everyone is that it is a fundamental tool for problem-solving. Mathematics helps people develop logical and critical thinking skills that can be applied to many aspects of life. From managing personal finances to making informed decisions about healthcare, mathematics plays a vital role in our daily lives.

However, despite its importance, mathematics has often been viewed as a challenging subject, leading to many people feeling intimidated and excluded from learning it. To make mathematics more accessible, we need to change the way it is transmitted. One way to achieve this is by making mathematics more inclusive and welcoming to everyone. This can be achieved by creating a more supportive learning environment, using engaging teaching methods, and providing more opportunities for collaboration and discussion.

Another way to make mathematics more accessible is to highlight the many wonders of mathematics that people can experience. From understanding the patterns in nature to exploring the mysteries of the universe, mathematics has endless applications and can lead to many exciting discoveries.

However, despite its benefits, some people still feel excluded from mathematics, particularly those from underrepresented groups. Research has shown that girls and women, people from low-income backgrounds, and those with disabilities are often underrepresented in mathematics. This is due to a combination of factors, including cultural stereotypes, lack of role models, and inadequate resources and support.

Illustration by Liani Malherbe

To make mathematics more welcoming to everyone, we need to understand why some people feel excluded and take steps to address these issues. This includes providing more resources and support for underrepresented groups, increasing diversity in the field, and challenging cultural stereotypes about who can succeed in mathematics.

Another critical aspect of mathematics is that it encourages a flexible and open-minded way of thinking. Mathematics requires people to think critically and creatively, exploring multiple solutions to complex problems. This is a skill that is not only valuable in mathematics but also in all aspects of life. By encouraging more inclusive and creative thinking, mathematics can help people become better citizens of the world and come up with innovative solutions to complex problems.

Despite its many benefits, some people still believe that they are not able to think mathematically. This belief is often due to a lack of confidence or previous negative experiences with mathematics. However, research has shown that with the right support and resources, everyone can learn mathematics and benefit from it.

In conclusion, the International Day of Mathematics is a celebration of the role of mathematics in society and a reminder that mathematics should be for everyone. By making mathematics more welcoming and accessible to all, we can help people develop (Boaler & Dieckmann, 2019) the critical thinking skills they need to navigate their daily lives and solve complex problems. By embracing the wonders of mathematics and promoting inclusivity, we can create a more innovative and diverse world where everyone can succeed.

Mpumelelo Mandyoli

Bsc Bioinformatics Degree

References

Boaler , J. & Dieckmann, J. A., 2019. Mathematizing and demathematizing: Students’ freedom to learn math. Journal of Mathematical Behavior. pp. 53, 87-103.

Cohen, E. G., Raudenbush, S. W. & Ball, D. L., 2003. Resources, instruction, and research. Educational Researcher. pp. 3-13.

Mathematics, N. C. o. T. o., 2014. Principles to actions: Ensuring mathematical success for all.

Park, J. H. & Kim, M., 2020. Mathematical thinking, problem-solving ability, and learning motivation according to elementary school students’ math achievement level.. Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education.

PICA, 2018. What School Life Means for Students’ Lives.. OECD Publishing, Volume III.

 

Mathematics

by Mpumelelo Mandyoli

A very smooth yet complicated case.

With the aim to pass knowledge to every place.

Mathematics is very fun.

As it brings light to everyone with its hidden sun.

With the hope we all become 1.

Naturally so, and not integerly.

Because mathematics is life

And everything around it deserves a magnitude, height

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