True or False: Math is a “culture-free” subject.
False - Math is influenced by cultural values, teaching methods, and contexts.
Name one social issue that could be explored mathematically in a culturally relevant way.
Gentrification, wealth inequality, climate change, racial disparities, housing costs.
Why is it important to include mathematicians from diverse backgrounds in the curriculum?
It helps students see themselves as capable of succeeding in math and validates their identity.
Whose voices should be reflected in the math classroom?
The students’ voices, experiences, and cultural perspectives.
What kind of reflection should teachers engage in regularly?
Reflection on their biases, assumptions, and cultural lens.
What is the purpose of culturally relevant teaching?
To connect lessons to students’ lives and backgrounds in ways that promote both academic and cultural success.
What is the benefit of connecting math to real-life community issues?
It shows students that math is a tool for analyzing and solving problems in their world.
What is the danger of relying only on textbooks for math content?
Textbooks often reflect narrow perspectives and may exclude diverse cultures and issues.
How does culturally relevant teaching help with identity development?
It affirms who students are and shows them they belong in mathematical spaces.
True or False: Teachers should adapt curriculum to reflect their students’ realities.
True - Teachers must adjust content to be relevant and respectful or their students.
Why must culturally relevant teaching be intentional?
Because simply adding cultural references isn’t enough so teachers must purposefully align content with students’ lived experiences.
What term describes math’s or any subject area's ability to help students examine injustice?
Critical cultural consciousness or CCC
What does it mean to affirm rather than assimilate students?
To celebrate students’ identities rather than forcing them to conform to dominant norms.
What does “critical consciousness” prepare students to do?
To question and challenge inequitable systems using mathematical thinking.
What is one way teachers can support a culturally relevant classroom culture?
Invite student input, connect to real issues, elevate diverse mathematicians, challenge status quo content.