Real World Mathematics

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 thei

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m learn and apply mathematics demonstrate higher mathematics scores. Another example of a ten-day project introducing sixth-graders to statistics and fundamental arithmetic skills in a hands-on activity that involved solving real-world problems provides an additional success story. For this example, students owned and operated their own major league baseball team. The team was picked and each day the group completed a daily scoring form with vital statistics and their totals. Newspapers were used to gather and evaluate data and students reported being excited to get to mathematics class to complete their assignments. The effects on mathematics learning were not reported ("Learn about statistics . . .," 1994). Weber (2003) provided an example of teaching real-world geometry. This author/teacher used geometric problem solving activity with elementary school students. Literature was combined with mathematics to help students develop measurement concepts and connect them to the real world. This author stated that learning geometry must include multiple activities such as identifying and investigating shapes and their properties, exploring relationships, and solving problems. Books such as one with a story of a young boy si

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