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Public perception of mathematics

From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Public perception of mathematics includes the way in which people (not just mathematicians) perceive mathematics, and the public opinion of this science.[1]

The manner of public perception of mathematics is significant for many reasons, especially those related to education and social issues.[2] In Italy, as in other European countries, the public perception of mathematics is negative and full of prejudice often related to how it is taught.[3]

Education

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Mathematics education plays a key role in the public perception of mathematics.[4] The abstract part of mathematics makes the student feel to be bad at mathematics,[5] while others see mathematics as hard and for "intelligent people".[6] On these, Terence Tao tried to answer to the question "does one have to be a genius to do mathematics?" saying no.[7]

Advocacy

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Several groups have tried to change or improve the public perception of mathematics:[8]

In France, Animath changes the public perception of mathematics in France.[9] MathsWorldUK tries to transform the United Kingdom public's perception of mathematics.[10]

References

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  1. Kaur, T (2022). "Students' perceptions of mathematics writing and its impact on their enjoyment and self-confidence". academic.oup.com. Retrieved 2022-10-08.
  2. Kopciewicz, Lucyna (2013). "Mathematics failures in girls and ethnic minorities in the perspective of questions about ideologies in education". Problemy Wczesnej Edukacji. IX (4 (23)): 15–31. ISSN 1734-1582.
  3. Capozucca, Andrea (2017-12-01). "Communicating mathematics in Europe". Lettera Matematica. 5 (4): 269–277. doi:10.1007/s40329-017-0199-8. ISSN 2281-5937. S2CID 165668511.
  4. Taffe, J. (1989-01-01). "The unpopularity of mathematics: can teacher education change the picture?". Australian Senior Mathematics Journal.
  5. Mariamah, M; Ratnah, R; Katimah, Husnul; Rahman, Arif; Haris, Abd (2021-06-01). "Analysis of Students' Perceptions of Mathematics Subjects: Case studies in Elementary Schools". Journal of Physics: Conference Series. 1933 (1): 012074. doi:10.1088/1742-6596/1933/1/012074. ISSN 1742-6596. S2CID 235478649.
  6. Leder, Gilah C.; Forgasz, Helen J. (2010-07-01). I Liked It till Pythagoras: The Public's Views of Mathematics. Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia.
  7. "Does one have to be a genius to do maths?". What's new. 2007-05-14. Retrieved 2022-10-08.
  8. Hart, George; Heathfield, Elisabeth (2017-07-01). Making Math Visible. pp. 63–70. ISBN 978-1-938664-22-9.
  9. "Filles et mathématiques, une équation complexe". Le Monde.fr (in French). 2022-03-21. Retrieved 2022-10-08.
  10. "Case Study: MathsCity – The home of hands-on maths". katiesteckles.co.uk. Retrieved 2022-10-08.