Loving and Loathing: Portrayals of mathematics in Young Adult fiction novels

Abstract

In the western world many students choose not to study more advanced mathematics because they develop negative identities as learners of mathematics. Students develop these attitudes, not just from school, but also from the views of mathematics held and perpetrated in society. How does society view mathematicians and the subject of mathematics? Research into the images in popular culture reveal portrayals of mathematics as hard, logical, certain and ultra-rational and mathematicians as eccentric, highly emotional and even insane (Epstein et al. 2010). These portrayals affect the ways in which students see the subject and envision themselves as learners of mathematics. However there are many different media sources which may influence students. In this presentation I will share the results of a recent research project investigating the portrayal of mathematics in young adult fiction novels. This study provides a ‘litmus’ test for societal views of the subject current over the last decade. Furthermore findings demonstrate the way stereotypes may impact on underrepresented groups, such as girls, as well as on teachers of mathematics.

Lisa Darragh obtained a PhD in mathematics education in 2014 from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. She currently has a post-doctoral position with CIAE-CMM. Her research interests include: identity, pre and in-service mathematics education, and sociological issues in mathematics education.

Posted on Oct 1, 2015 in Education, Seminars