Mathematics as a Tool for Critical Thinking about Social Justice Through Guided Discussions
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Mathematics as a Tool for Critical Thinking about Social Justice Through Guided Discussions. Jesse Bergman, Upper Grand DSB [email protected] Anthony Persaud, Peel DSB [email protected]. Agenda. Why Do Social Justice? Connections Purposes How to Do Social Justice - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Transcript of Mathematics as a Tool for Critical Thinking about Social Justice Through Guided Discussions
Why Do Social Justice?
1. Connections2. PurposesHow to Do Social
Justice1. In Lessons2. Implementation3. OrganizationSocial Justice
Examples1. Short Videos2. Topics from Lessons3. Assignments4. Student Feeback5. Pink / Green / Gold
Day
WHY DO SOCIAL
JUSTICE?
SOCIALJUSTICEconnections
Broaden World View Build
Confidence
Share Ideas
Global IssuesEnrichment
Local Actions
Critical Thinkin
g
• Not just talking about topics, but as a way of organizing your classroom and encouraging students to discuss with each other• Connecting to broader topics – have a broad world view• Exploring students’ interests – no topic should be avoided , even if it is not directly related to a progressive cause or helping humanity• Relating concepts to mathematics without concern as there is support from administration• Creating critical thinking and global awareness – create a space for students to comfortably and securely talk about their feelings
HOW TO DO SOCIAL JUSTICE
Students Want to…
Share their opinions
Learn about the
world
Learn new things Have flexible
conversations with their
peers
Teachers Want to…
Connect topics to the math
curriculum
Allow Dynamic
conversations
Prevent domination
Prevent inappropriate comments
General Question: Why do YOU want to do Social Justice?
• In my class, we cover SJ topics on every day, except work periods, review and test days.• SJ topics are always optional and students can work on their homework while discussion is happening.• My job is to facilitate:
1. Keep them on topic2. Prevent confrontation3. Enforce equity4. Manage the order of speakers
• The key is to come up with creative and interesting topics.
In your groups, discuss how you could relate your
object(s) to SJ.
We’ll now look at some examples. Keep these structural decisions in mind as you develop what SJ will look like
for you.
SOCIALJUSTICE
EXAMPLES
Video here, short videos, discussions in small group, share?
Cutouts of SJ topics1)Discuss the topics you like.2)Extend them to ideas for you own class.
• When asked, students eagerly added their own SJ to their final projects – create and solve a question from your unit.• In groups of 4 – 10, get final projects photocopied package.
• Think and reflect in your groups:1)Do any of these give me an idea for SJ in my class?2)Could I adapt any summatives in my classes?
Handout Pink / Green / Gold InstructionsSummary:• Separate the class into three distinct groups:Gold – give candy, compliment, treat like royaltyGreen – treat respectfully, but normallyPink – ignore, be rude, be dismissive, be condescending• After about 30 minutes, stop the game and discuss
Q: Things You'll Remember and Why / If there was one thing you would never want Mr. Bergman to change, what would it be and why:A: Social Justice, because…
"Learned about
important issues of the
world."
"Made the class more enjoyable.”
"I feel it is important."
"Interesting, fun."
"Best part of my day."
"Really was fun and learned a lot."
"I found it very interesting and it made math more fun for me."
"Learned alot about the world and myself."
"It makes class interesting."
"Was interesting to know."
"It usually connected to the material we learned in the lesson which made it easier for me to connect what we were learning to real life, making what we learned feel more important."
"It was a fascinating real life application for mathematical concepts."
