Literature Review: Real World Mathematics
This review of the literature discusses findings related to the topic of real world mathematics. An introduction to real world mathematics, the pros and cons of using real world mathematics, success of real world mathematics, and a summary and conclusion are presented.
Introduction to Real World Mathematics
Duke (1999) reported that mathematics educators continue to search for instructional techniques that enhance learning. Recent focus has been on bringing classroom mathematics to the real world, to help students relate the concepts they are learning. The Mathematical Sciences Education Board of the National Research Council stated that the primary goal of instruction should require the student to use the mathematical tool in a real world context. Mathematics educators are also involved in service learning to help students learn concepts. Programs in elementary and secondary schools have shown that students are now involved in designing parks and public seating arrangements and other community projects to help them learn and apply mathematics.
Pros and Cons of Real World Mathematics
For many children math is only a word void of meaning. Dr. Mack, double major in mathematics and mathematical physics, teacher, and CEO of Prat Math Inc., reports that students need to apply mathematics to daily lives. For the African-American child, learning mathematics takes place when the student understands how math is applied in their world ("Mama says . . .," 2004).
Clark and Hernandezß(1999) used the example of providing real-world material such as a bus schedule, hotel advertisements, tickets, receipts, menus, and more to teach students mathematics. This is called "realia" and this method is presumed to provide students with different cultures a chance to learn mathematics and to learn the target language in the process. Realia attempts to represent the target culture and ...