Community-based Mathematics Education in the Wabanaki B.Ed. Program

Authors

  • John Grant McLoughlin

Abstract

The Ugpi'ganjig Community office, Campbellton and Miramichi libraries, and cafeterias to classrooms at Mah Sos (Neqotkuk), Chief Harold Sappier Memorial Elementary School (Sitansisk), Esgenoôpetitj, Elsipogtog, Wejgwapniag (Gesgapegiag) schools, and UNB served as sites for Fall 2023 math course offerings in the Wabanaki B.Ed. Directed efforts to bring courses beyond a web delivery format took many shapes. Community visits extended beyond class gatherings to include math outreach in multiple elementary classrooms. Community engagement enhanced the voice of students. Assignments featuring place and local cultural contexts highlighted the significance of mathematics and one's surroundings. For instance, the project component produced efforts ranging from quillwork to drum making to the building of structures. In summary, the community‐based component enabled deeper understanding of students and teacher alike with respect to context, while fostering the development of richer relationship building at personal and community levels. Among other benefits was the lessening of mathematical anxiety. Please join us as we unpack layers of this experience including its richness and challenges.

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Published

2024-12-14

Issue

Vol. 27 (2024)

Section

Abstracts

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