Articles · Vol. 30 No. 3 (2005): Africa Development: Special Issue 'All knowledge is first of all local knowledge'

4 - Ethnomathematics, Geometry and Educational Experiences in Africa

DOI: 10.4314/ad.v30i3.22229

  • Paul Gerdes
    Paul Gerdes
     is Professor of Mathematics. Director, ethnomathematics Research Centre, Maputo, Mozambique.
    Their articles →
Vol. 30 · 2005 No. 3 Africa Development: Special Issue 'All knowledge is first of all local knowledge' AD

Abstract

The paper traces historically reflections about mathematics, education and culture in Africa, that culminated in the emergence of ethnomathematics as a research field. A brief overview of ethnomathematical research in Mozambique and ofhistorical research related to mathematics in Africa is presented, followed by examples of the integration of ethnomathematics into teacher education to stimulate the development of social—and cultural—mathematical awareness. The paper concludes with some trends in using ideas from ethnomathematics in education in Africa.

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Author Biography

  • Paul Gerdes

     is Professor of Mathematics. Director, ethnomathematics Research Centre, Maputo, Mozambique.

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