1.
Equity in
mathematical
modelling education:
A literature review
Angeles Dominguez
Itzel H. Armenta
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1,2
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1. Tecnologico de Monterrey, Mexico
2. Universidad Andres Bello, Chile
Session 6
Socio-cultural influence
July 25th, 2019

2.
Mathematical modelling means:
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3.
Mathematical modelling
“Mathematical models and modelling are everywhere around us.”
“Preparing students’ for responsible citizenship and for participation in
societal developments requires them to build up modelling competency.”
“The teaching and learning mathematical modelling activity can improve
students’ mathematical modelling competency.”
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Learning environments through modelling
Significant learning experiences must represent students’ interests,
characteristics and backgrounds without exception.
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Addressing equity from mathematical modelling
teaching
“The principles of inclusion and equity are, then, not only about ensuring access to
education, but also about having quality learning spaces and pedagogies that
enable students to thrive, to understand their realities, and to work for a more just
society.” (UNESCO, 2017, p. 19)
Reflecting where is mathematics education and research standing in terms of
equity is quite relevant to realize how it addresses inclusiveness issues and
gender perspectives, seeking an equitable engagement of every student in the
learning of mathematics.
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Objective
Provide a comprehensive reasoning of mathematics educational research
works, focusing on those from a mathematical modelling standpoint, and
how they undertake equity.
When equity applies to participation and involvement in Science, Technology,
Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields, calls for a deep analysis of
underrepresented groups in these areas, alongside the establishment of
policies that guide concrete actions (UNESCO, 2017).
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Methodology: Systematic literature review
“Systematic reviews are a type of scientific research that aims to integrate in an
objective and systematic manner the results of empirical studies on a particular
research problem in order to determine the state of the question in its field of
study.“ (Ferreras-Fernández, Martín-Rodero, García-Peñalvo & Merlo-Vega, 2016)
Revision of published material in the last five years and found at the
International Commission on Mathematical Instruction (ICMI) Digital Library
Project, the ICTMA book series International Perspectives on the Teaching and
Learning of Mathematical Modelling, and top-grade databases (Scopus and
Web of Science)
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8.
Search string, filters and decisions
Mathematical modelling , mathematics education - (“math* model*”
OR “math* educ*”)
Equity, democratization and inclusiveness - AND (“equity” OR
“democratiz*” OR Inclusiveness, “inclus*”)
Gender- AND ( “gender”)
Education- AND (“educ*”)
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Scopus
& WoS
Search
filters and
decisions
Total: 35
In both databases: 11
To review: 24
5 years: [2014 - 2019]
Title-abstract-keywords
Evaluate pertinence of
titles and abstracts
Total: 17
Full-text
reading and
analysis with
guiding
questions

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+ works included in review
ICTMA 17 & 18 proceedings (2015, 2017)
Digital Library ICMI: ICME proceedings 2017
ICMI Study Series 21, 2016
ICMI Study Series 22, 2015
ICMI Study Series 23, 2018
ICMI Study Conferences 23, 2015
ICMI Study Conferences 24, 2018
ICME Affiliate Organization Conference Proceedings ESU7, 2015
ICME Affiliate Organization Conference Proceedings History and
Pedagogy of Mathematics, 2016
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10.
Equity Democratiz* Inclus* Gender Number of
selected
articlesTotal Relevant Total Relevant Total Relevant Total Relevant
ICMI Study
conferences 24 17 10 5 1 41 11 2 2 8
ICMI Study
conferences 23 7 4 0 0 13 4 15 4 6
ICME Affiliate
Conference
Proceedings 2016 2 1 0 0 10 0 0 0 1
ICME Affiliate
Conference
Proceedings 2015 1 1 1 0 5 0 3 2 2
ICMI Study Series 21 22 3 1 1 24 3 10 2 5
ICMI Study Series 22 8 6 0 0 24 11 9 2 6
ICME 13 Proceedings 50 35 2 2 57 32 41 28 19
ICTMA 17 Proceedings 2 1 0 0 11 0 4 0 1
ICTMA 18 Proceedings 2 0 7 7 43 7 47 19 9
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Methodology: Analysis of articles
Guiding questions
How do authors address…
● math modelling/world mathematization?
● gender issues?
● equity?
● inclusiveness?
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Math modelling/world mathematization I
- Is found related to student-centered approaches as relevant pedagogical aspects
behind modelling like concept-based learning, life mathematization through divergent
and disruptive thinking, creativity and collaborative learning (Luria, Sriraman & Kaufman,
2017) as well as spatial reasoning skills (Lowrie & Jorgensen, 2018).
- Modelling and problem-solving processes are also addressed in relation to the
development of citizenship and mathematical competencies (Zhu, 2018).
Frameworks for the assessment of such competencies "subsume various mathematical
activities that define mathematical literacy; they might include mathematising, arguing,
proving, and problem solving, among others, under one broad psychological construct"
(Nortvedt & Buchholtz, 2018, p. 559).
- Opportunities for curriculum linkage with values presented are proposed -eg.
contextualization of word problems by relating them with real life social issues
discussion, implementing democratic strategies for mathematical education for life,
bringing up human values such as equity (Movshovitz-Hadar & Yael Edri, 2015). 12

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Math modelling/world mathematization II
- Mathematical sense-making processes are related to authority-construction in the
classroom, leading to identity development and empowerment of marginalized subjects
(Langer-Osuna, 2017).
- In collaborative mathematics classrooms, like the ones promoted by mathematical
modelling activities, students and teachers share intellectual authority, allowing students to
take ownership of their ideas. This leads to greater conceptual understanding by taking part of
making ideas up, decision-making, justification and assessment of reasonable or "correct"
thoughts (Cantley, Prendergas & Schlindwein, 2017; Langer-Osuna, 2017).
- Also seen as the application of mathematics for "making a better world". These meaningful
applications structure practices and discourses for identity construction, possibly related to
motives and meanings about being a mathematician (particularly a female mathematician one
- gender related) (Solomon, Radovic & Black, 2016; Cantley, Prendergas & Schlindwein, 2017).
The development of mathematical talented women is proposed to be studied with
socioepistemological perspectives (Farfán Márquez & Simón Ramos, 2018).
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Gender issues I
- Girls are considered a historically marginalized group that experiences biases and are in
need to mathematical empowerment. Relations of authority in mathematics
classrooms might explain why student interactions become gendered
(Langer-Osuna, 2017; Farfán Márquez & Simón Ramos, 2018)
- Social structures embedded in traditional teaching practices could promote
contradictions about gender roles. These become resources and motives for
improvisation, leading to resignification about what it is to do mathematics (Alcock,
Attridge, Kenny & Inglis, 2014; Solomon, Radovic & Black, 2016; Deward, 2017) and
encouraging new inclusive pedagogies -eg. STEAM approaches- (Montero &
Jormanainen, 2017)
- Differences among definitions and implications of the use of "gender" and "sex"
terminologies are also discussed (Zhu, 2018).
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Gender issues II
- Gender is considered to be a factor that influences inequitable opportunities and
outcomes in education, as well as the most used indicator for the assessment of
equitable education (Lowrie & Jorgensen, 2018; Nortvedt & Buchholtz, 2018; Zhu, 2018).
- There is a call for an assessment that can be culturally responsive so that it
addresses heterogeneity and balances equity issues with educational policy -eg.
personality and learning styles- (Nortvedt & Buchholtz, 2018)
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Equity and inclusiveness
- Dilemmas between concepts of "equity" and "equality", based on
axiological roots and implicating the need of a common ground and
framework.
- When feminist pedagogies are used as framework, equity manifests in a
precedent form, which highlights the role and experience of a
marginalized counterpart.
- Possible causes for unequal participation of genders in the mathematics
professional development: 1) Lack of role models, 2) Gendered
preferences and teaching approaches , 3) Gendered nature of
mathematics, 4) indirect influence of cultural discourses that associate
mathematics with masculinity, 5) Socially constructed gender stereotypes.
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17.
Equity and inclusiveness
- Dilemmas between concepts of "equity" and "equality", based on
axiological roots and implicating the need of a common ground and
framework.
- When feminist pedagogies are used as framework, equity manifests in a
precedent form, which highlights the role and experience of a
marginalized counterpart not promoting inclusiveness at all.
- Possible causes for unequal participation of genders in the mathematics
professional development: 1) Lack of role models, 2) Gendered
preferences and teaching approaches , 3) Gendered nature of
mathematics, 4) indirect influence of cultural discourses that associate
mathematics with masculinity, 5) Socially constructed gender stereotypes.
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Results
There exist alternatives to incorporate the teaching of social values like equity
and inclusiveness to the education of mathematics, particularly through
modelling activities. However, these relationship are yet waiting to be deeply
explored.
Each work part of this systematic literature review open just a narrow window
of analysis and understanding of equity in mathematics education, a call for
collaborative academic action is suggested.
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Conclusions
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References
Alcock, L., Attridge, N., Kenny, S., & Inglis, M. (2014). Achievement and Behaviour in Undergraduate Mathematics:
Personality Is a Better Predictor than Gender. Research in Mathematics Education, 16(1), 1–17.
https://doi.org/10.1080/14794802.2013.874094
Cantley, I., Prendergast, M., & Schlindwein, F. (2017). Collaborative cognitive-activation strategies as an emancipatory
force in promoting girls’ interest in and enjoyment of mathematics: A cross-national case study. International
Journal of Educational Research, 81, 38–51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2016.11.004
Dewar, J. M. (2017). Women and mathematics: A course and a scholarly investigation. BSHM Bulletin: Journal of the
British Society for the History of Mathematics, 32(3), 246–253. https://doi.org/10.1080/17498430.2017.1319160
Eley, P. M. (2015). Technology in Mathematics Education: A Catalyst for Diversity Leadership. STEM Education: Concepts,
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Horoks, J., Couchot-Schiex, S., & Grugeon-Allys, B. (2018). De l’utilité de l’initiation à la recherche en formation initiale
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W-STEM (Building the future of Latin America: engaging women into
STEM) is a project funded under European Union ERASMUS+
Capacity-building in Higher Education Programme
(598923-EPP-1-2018-1-ES-EPPKA2-CBHE-JP)
The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not
constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors,
and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the
information contained therein.
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